By Guest Host: Katrin Klassen
Today we are joined by Josh Mandelbaum, an environmental lawyer and City Council member in his second term representing Ward 3 of Des Moines.
This is Josh’s second time on Green City since 2016 when his work in environmental law was highlighted. Katrin Klassen, a senior at Valley High School in West Des Moines, is our guest host today and focuses on the climate solutions Josh is pushing for while serving on the City Council.
Key Takeaways:
Experience as an environmental attorney working towards clean air, water, and energy has given Josh a unique perspective on the City Council
Climate change has consequences that affect social issues like hunger and transportation
Des Moines is the first city in the country to adopt a 24/7 100% clean energy goal
A “100% renewable vision” for some companies still means they operate coal plants
A Des Moines City Council ordinance looks at the water and energy usage of the largest buildings
One of Josh’s goals is to create incentives for the electrification of new buildings as opposed to reliance on fossil fuels
Wind, solar, and electrical technology is becoming more affordable and feasible to implement
Energy conservation saves money for businesses and citizens!
Urgent situations require “rocking the boat” sometimes
We need preventative solutions now instead of just reacting later on
Although different areas of Iowa have specific needs, we are all working towards one long-term solution
It is inspiring that the younger generation who inherited this damaged world cares so much about fixing it
“Change happens sometimes frustratingly slowly, but it does happen.”
"I have learned you are never too small to make a difference."
~Greta Thunberg
Thank you for listening to today’s discussion.
Let’s continue the conversation and learn from each other.