The proposal the state wants for the new standards erases the phrase climate change entirely, and it removed several other details such as the Earth’s age from various science s

Climate action proponents say the layoffs will make it harder for the local government to reach its net zero emission goal by 2050.

"We cannot afford to abandon sustainability efforts here in Des Moines," said Jamie Nicolino, community member and owner of zero-waste shop, THE COLLECTIVE. "Climate change is real and it's wreaking havoc on our planet.

The Iowa Department of Education (DOE) wants to remove references to climate change and biological evolution from the science education standards in the state’s middle and high schools. The state’s

Citing state property tax cuts, Des Moines shut down the department that oversees its ambitious climate action plan and terminated two employees.

Sustainability commitments should be more important than ever right now, and Des Moines should restore its office, writes Councilman Josh Mandelbaum.

City Manager Scott Sanders said the layoffs were a result of a $17 million budget shortfall caused by increased costs and a drop in property tax revenue.

The future of Des Moines sustainability programs remains in limbo after the city laid off the people overseeing such efforts in response to a shortfall in the next fiscal year's budget.