topic: advocating for Ames Climate Action Plan goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.

Dear friends, 
Ames has begun the process of developing a climate action plan and the team here at Mustard Seed Community Farm made an unanimous decision to support the Ames Climate Action Team's (ACAT) proposal for a bold goal of city-wide carbon neutrality by 2030.  
On the farm, we have already been facing the effects of climate change and we know that the worldwide harm to our ecosystems and human family have been severe and will soon be much worse if humanity doesn't quickly change course. Care of our planet and for humanity are core values of our farm.

For more info, please read farm community member Jeri's email below with helpful links and action steps.

RE:  Climate action in Ames  
https://www.amesclimateaction.org/
What’s happening:Ames city council has begun the process of developing a climate action plan, which will inform the cities climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy.  By creating a plan Ames has taken a big step forward towards addressing climate change, but the speed and scale of the city effort are still up in the air. Coming up, November 16th, 2021, the city council will  hear  & discuss ‘four emissions reductions scenarios’ developed by the consultants.  It looks like council will actually vote on the specific emissions reduction target that Ames will pursue in the first or second week of December. This target will then be given to the climate consultant hired by the city to explore the feasibility and lay out a path to reach it. ACAT has decided that as an organization it is our job to make sure the city commits to a bold goal. We are advocating for Ames to adopt a citywide goal of  100% clean energy and carbon neutrality by 2030 for their climate action plan decision in December 2021.We have created an endorsement letter to show broad support for this goal.   Our web page is https://www.amesclimateaction.org/ and there are links to both an organization letter of endorsement, and a (fairly new) petition for individuals to sign (it has the same information).
We appreciate your consideration and need your support!  ~  Let me know if you have further questions ~ 
Jeri

Why GO BIG with the 2030 goal for Ames???? (6 reasons - short version)

1.The issue is urgent.

2.The goal is achievable. Many of the world’s top companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, have pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030. Iowa already gets 60 percent of its electricity from wind, and is developing solar as well as sequestration options. For more difficult sectors, carbon offsets can be produced or purchased to negate carbon emissions.

3.2030 is strategic
? Setting a zero CO2e goal for 2030 lets us find out what is possible: The consultant will develop a plan to achieve that goal, and we can then evaluate the costs.

4.Assuming leadership strengthens Ames
By assuming leadership in this area Ames will be more attractive to residents and businesses.

5.2030 means the action starts now. Starting now increases the impact of Ames climate action. A 2030 goal will make sure that action starts immediately. Keeping the 2030 deadline and adjusting the CO2e goal is likely to be more effective than moving the deadline.

6. Ames has a responsibility to lead.

Why GO BIG with the 2030 goal for Ames (6 reasons long version)

1.The issue is urgent. The effects of climate change are already evident. The faster we can reduce emissions and the more warming we can prevent, the less disastrous the effects of climate change will be. Every 0.1 degree Celsius of warming we can prevent equates to saved lives, saved ecosystems, and a more livable Earth for future generations. The IPCC has made it clear that there is no level of warming that does not impact human life and the natural world.

2.The goal is achievable.
Many of the world’s top companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, have pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030. Iowa already gets 60 percent of its electricity from wind, and is developing solar as well as sequestration options. For sectors where it is more technologically difficult to reach carbon neutrality, or where Ames does not have direct control, carbon offsets can be produced or purchased to negate carbon emissions. Prioritizing local carbon offset projects, such as expanding urban forests, developing agricultural carbon sequestration projects, and increasing renewable energy production will develop other community assets.

3.2030 is strategic.
? Setting a zero CO2e goal for 2030 lets us find out what is possible: The consultant will develop a plan to achieve that goal, and we can then evaluate the costs.
? Setting a zero CO2e goal for 2030 encourages the development of local offset projects that can take advantage of Iowa’s agricultural resources.
? Setting a zero CO2e goal for 2030 including offsets leaves flexibility as to the means of achieving it. Further, if 2030 turns out to be too expensive, it leaves time to develop a plan that still meets IPCC recommendations.

4.Assuming leadership strengthens Ames.
By assuming leadership in this area Ames will be more attractive to residents and businesses. Innovation that will allow us to reach this goal will strengthen Ames and build its economy. In order to assume leadership Ames needs to move quickly.

5.2030 means the action starts now.
Starting now increases the impact of Ames climate action. A 2030 goal will make sure that action starts immediately. Keeping the 2030 deadline and adjusting the CO2e goal is likely to be more effective than moving the deadline.

6.Ames has a responsibility to lead.
In order to limit warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, the world as a whole must achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This is only possible if cities like Ames, that have already made progress and have the assets to move quickly, do move quickly.