For Immediate Release: 2/1/2024
On Monday, February 5th, 2024, WEALTH Day will bring together organizations, advocates, and legislators from across Kansas to connect on Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation, and Health – WEALTH. WEALTH Day is a collaborative effort hosted by the WEALTH Partners, including Climate + Energy Project, Kansas Rural Center, Kansas Interfaith Action, Kansas Natural Resources Council, Metropolitan Energy Center, Climate Action KC, Destination Innovation, Inc., Sierra Club, KC Farm School, Kansas Permaculture Institute, Groundwork NRG, and Renew Missouri. In 2023, WEALTH Day convened over 150 Kansans, legislators, and organizations.
“WEALTH Day provides a unique opportunity for Kansans to connect with each other, with organizations, and with legislators on environmental and climate issues,” said Dorothy Barnett, Executive Director of Climate + Energy Project. “By bringing Kansans together under the capitol dome, we hope to ignite important dialogues that lead to a resilient Kansas.”
New this year, the WEALTH Coalition will be hosting a panel discussion, “Not New, Just Taboo: Climate Change Conversations”. The discussion will bring together a panel made up of three Climate + Energy Project WEAG (Wind Energy Advisory Group) members: Ruth Rosell, Wayne White, and Andrew Clark; as well as Kansas University Professor Dr. Melinda Adams, and Kansas State University Professor Dr. Jennifer Ifft. Each panelist has expertise in or commitment to climate action, the costs to our state and agriculture economy, and our health and environment, along with solutions and strategies for resilience.
The WEALTH coalition will also be hosting a youth-led panel. Jondalyn Marshall, Director at Destination Innovation, and one of the organizers of WEALTH Day, shares:
“It is crucial for young people to participate in political processes and conversations, such as WEALTH Day at the Kansas State House. They represent a significant portion of the population and are often most affected by long-term policy decisions, especially concerning the environment and climate change. The voice of youth is essential in shaping a sustainable and fair future for all.”
Other activities for the day include Legislator Meet & Greets, Policy Briefing, Local Foods Luncheon by Raven’s Table Catering, Featured Address, and Solutions Showcase. View the full schedule here.
For additional information or media inquiries, please contact Morgan Barrett at barrett@climateandenergy.org.
