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In Spring 2025, ICFRC presented a series of programs focused on global climate adaptation, sustainable design, and community resilience.
These events brought together scholars, architects, nonprofit leaders, and grassroots advocates to explore pressing environmental challenges and practical, people-centered solutions. Topics ranged from cookstove use in India and Midwest climate collaborations to green building design and sustainable sourcing in agriculture. The series highlighted the critical roles of women, Indigenous communities, and local innovation in global climate resilience efforts.
CLIMATE CHANGE, GENDER, AND BIOMASS COOKSTOVES IN INDIA
Friday, March 7
Iowa City Public Library
Dr. Khandelwal examined how international climate “solutions” often fail to center the realities of marginalized women. Drawing from fieldwork in India, she critiqued market-based approaches to improved cookstoves, highlighting the need for equitable, culturally-informed climate adaptation.
Speaker:
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Dr. Meena Khandelwal – Professor of Anthropology and Gender, Women’s & Sexuality Studies at the University of Iowa. Her research explores gender, development, and climate technology in India. Author of Cookstove Chronicles.
Bio
GREEN ARCHITECTURE: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Saturday, March 29
Unitarian Universalist Society, Coralville
A dynamic panel on sustainable building design and usage featuring the Stanley Center’s Living Building-certified facility, the architectural vision of Neumann Monson, and community-based sustainability efforts at UUS. The event included a building tour to showcase real-world climate design solutions.
Speakers:
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Keith Porter – President and CEO, Stanley Center for Peace and Security
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Sally Obernolte – Architect, Neumann Monson Architects
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Deb Schoelerman – Unitarian Universalist Society of Coralville, Building and Land Ministry Chair
FOSTERING CLIMATE RESILIENCE TOGETHER
Friday, April 4
Iowa City Public Library
This panel showcased the work of the Central Midwest Climate Opportunities and Learning (CO-Learn) team. Panelists shared experiences and insights from Indigenous communities, agriculture, and academia, highlighting inclusive models for climate adaptation across Iowa and surrounding states.
Speakers:
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Rosalind Grant – Student and climate intern, Nebraska Indian Community College
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Carolyn Van Meter – Iowa farmland owner and conservation advocate
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Dr. Martha Durr – Climatologist, Nebraska Indian Community College
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Dr. William Gutowski, Jr. – Professor Emeritus of Meteorology, Iowa State University
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Dr. Linda Shenk – English professor and climate resilience researcher, ISU
WELL EARTH: SPICES AND SUSTAINABILITY IN BUSINESS AND AGRICULTURE
Wednesday, April 16
Iowa City Public Library
This event explored the Well Earth Program, Frontier Co-op’s sustainable sourcing initiative that supports global supply chain partners through investments in social and environmental practices. The discussion emphasized the role of values-based business in fighting climate change and promoting community well-being.
Speakers:
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Alicia Simmons – Senior Sustainability Manager, Frontier Co-op
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Dr. Amy Colbert – Professor, Tippie College of Business
SERIES MADE POSSIBLE WITH SUPPORT FROM
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