What are your concerns related to climate change? The City of Wichita wants to know.

Are you among the 167 individuals who have filled out the City of Wichita survey about climate change? I sure hope so!

Help is needed from us environmental warriors to encourage the public to fill out this survey, otherwise, the climate deniers who came to the SIB meeting could skew the results of the survey. Many have already answered the survey that a climate plan is not needed by the City of Wichita.

Can you share the climate survey by email or on social media with your like-minded friends?

Take the survey here. Read the draft Climate Action Plan here.

Y’all, we have worked too hard to get to the point of a well functioning and influential Sustainability Board to just roll over. Let’s get 400 people to answer this survey.

In our last 316 United newsletter, we emphasized the urgent need to register to vote. This time, we call on you to take action and vote with a focus on environmental issues.

Scientific evidence has long confirmed human activity is reshaping our land, oceans, and atmosphere, leading to global shifts in climate patterns. Ironically, some who previously denied mankind caused climate change now claim hurricanes are a geoengineered man-made event designed to cause intentional destruction.

A recently memorable moment was meteorologist John Morales’ tearful warning of Hurricane Milton’s approach to Florida. Later, Greenpeace posted an image of Morales on Facebook with the caption: “We are at the ‘meteorologists are crying’ stage of the climate crisis.”

Today, meteorologists face increasing pressure to accurately forecast severe weather to protect lives and property. They also contend with the spread of misinformation, disinformation and even personal threats. Recently, meteorologist Katie Nickolaou posted on social media, “Murdering meteorologists won't stop hurricanes. I can't believe I just had to type that.”

This misinformation about extreme weather is influencing public opinion in harmful ways. It’s more important than ever to make informed choices and let your vote reflect a commitment to the planet’s future.

As election day nears, candidates across the country are looking for help with calls, postcard-writing, and canvassing. The website Whatcanido can help you find candidates who prioritize environmental protection. See if your candidate is listed, and reach out to offer your support.

Advocating for our environment has become my brave space. Can I count on you to join me in holding this space for a more sustainable future?

All the best,
Randi

The City’s Drought Plan is working but Cheney is still losing water.

Cheney Lake is 54.22% full. Stage 3 drought restrictions will be triggered when 12-months rolling average is below 50%. If the drought continues as is, our city will be in Stage 3 restrictions by the end of the summer 2025.

Even with those facts in mind, the fall is still a good time to plant a tree. Check with your favorite nursery for advice and sales. The Sedgwick County Extension Service also is there to assist consumers on the best native trees to plan in Kansas. Here is a helpful handout which guides best practices to water your new plants over this winter.

Happy Planting!

What happened to the initiative to bring clean energy to Kansas?

This headline “Evergy is to Build 2 New Gas Plants in Kansas” was announced with great fanfare. The Governor praised the gas plans for potential stabilization of Kansas’ energy infrastructure as well as the 500 new jobs it will bring Kansans.

While dozens of utilities have pledged to achieve "carbon neutrality" by 2050, research from the Sierra Club's Dirty Truth Report reveals that many of these promises are largely greenwashing. Most U.S. utilities still fall short of the ambitious pledges and concrete plans needed to make a real transition to clean energy.

Here is the sad proof that Evergy is part of the problem.

RECYCLE - REUSE - CONSERVE