Here's the bottom line: right now, extreme weather is becoming a part of our daily lives. Climate change is threatening to change everything about the way we live -- and we're running out of time to do something about it.
Here in Iowa, we've had to deal with a severe drought and devastating derechos. Take one look at the massive floods in Europe and the record-breaking heat in the West, and it all starts to look like a disaster movie.
But this isn't Hollywood fiction. This is about our children's future. And we need to act now if we want a shot at saving it.
I come from a long line of farmers, and I always dreamed of passing down our cattle farm to my own kids someday.
But scientists say that by mid-century in Iowa, there will be frequent extreme heat events -- disrupting corn and soybean pollination and harming vegetative growth. That's not the future I want my children to have.
There's no denying it. We need to take bold action to stop climate change now. That means investing in sustainable agriculture and rebuilding our infrastructure to withstand severe storms.
For too long, Republicans have been stuck in a predictable pattern of climate denial. They've had their pockets lined by oil companies while suppressing practices like carbon sequestration and programs to improve soil health and water quality. Frankly, it's shameful.
