A group supported by more than 200 professors issued the 13th Annual Iowa Climate Statement on Tuesday. The panel addressed the impact of recent climate change and the growing importance of solar energy in Iowa.
The 2023 Iowa Climate Statement puts the spotlight on solar energy. They say harnessing solar energy can boost the state’s economy and help reduce the effects of climate change.
Iowa saw record breaking heat from July to October this year.
Experts cited in the conference say the best way to reduce future damages from climate change is to reduce emissions and find ways to make climate change less severe.
“This means moving rapidly away from fossil fuels and especially coal in the production of electricity,” said Professor of Environmental Science and Sustainability at Drake University Dave Courard-Hauri.
While Iowa is the nation’s leader in per capita wind production, the state is far behind in solar infrastructure compared to other states.
Peter Thorne, Occupational and Environmental Health Professor at the University of Iowa, says an increase in solar capacity will lessen the greenhouse gas emissions.
“One acre solar farm produces as much energy as approximately 100 acres of ethanol from corn, so solar could produce as much energy in Iowa as wind does today,” said Thorne.
The theme of these scientists was very clear: solar energy has value.
“It’s really important to see how it works and I think I can point out that, you know, having a solar house and showing how it works to the Iowa State University students really helps understand the benefits,” said Professor of Architecture at Iowa State University Ulrike Passe.
According to these scientists, the amount of land needed to generate solar energy is small and will not step on land needed for agriculture.
For more information about the 2023 Iowa Climate Statement, click here.