More than 200 scientists from Iowa colleges and universities signed the 2023 Iowa Climate Statement. This year’s statement focused on Iowa’s potential to tap solar energy resources.

“A one-acre solar farm produces as much energy as approximately 100 acres of ethanol from corn,” said Peter Thorne, University of Iowa professor of occupational and environmental health, at a press conference. “So solar could produce as much energy in Iowa as wind does today, leading Iowa to close in on that 100% renewables benchmark that we want to achieve.”

This is the 13th annual Iowa Climate Statement.

Read the full Iowa Climate Statement 2023: It’s Time to Tap Iowa’s Vast Solar Energy Resources (PDF)

Media Coverage

Iowa climate scientists: Iowa is ‘under-invested’ in solar energy (KCRG)

MidAmerican hits 100% renewable energy. But Iowa needs more solar to hit benchmark, scientists say. (Des Moines Register)

Iowa needs more solar energy to combat climate change, researchers say (The Gazette)

Iowa scientists call for investment in solar energy (WQAD)

Iowa scientists call for increased solar power production (Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Iowa Climate Statement urges use of solar power (CBJ)

Iowa climate experts push for more solar energy (Daily Iowan)