Raffensperger to Help Launch Iowa PSR Climate Campaign

IOWA CITY-- Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility will host a special public meeting on Monday, Dec. 8 from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. in Room A at the Iowa City Public Library. All interested parties are invited to attend.

This event features Carolyn Raffensperger, environmental attorney and executive director of the Ames based Science and Environmental Health Network (SEHN.org).  Ms. Raffensperger presents a proposal utilizing the right of "free, prior and informed consent"  (PIC) to communities facing the risks and dangers of extreme energy extraction and climate change.  This concept builds on ethical principles that form the core of modern health care science and research.  PIC can mobilize the persuasive power of health care professionals in confronting the hazards communities face with extractive and polluting industries contributing to an increasingly dangerous and chaotic climate.   

None of us, our patients, families or friends have given our consent to the harms associated with the toxic environment unfolding around us.  Instead, all of us, particularly our children and theirs have a right to the life sustaining climate and environment inherited from our fore-bearers.  The re-conceived legal concept of "Free, Prior and Informed Consent" has been honed by a number of legal scholars working all around the world including those associated with CIEL (the Center for International Environmental Law www.ciel.org).

PIC was first used  in "developing" countries which have weak or no environmental laws to engage or protect indigenous/domestic populations.  Related developments in international law assert that some communities have the right to give (or withhold) consent from projects that affect their future.  Such tools may be critical to develop effective legal arguments deconstructing damaging fossil fuel/energy policy/permitting processes.

This unique event is open to the public. Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility and Ms. Raffensperger look forward to an engaged and activated audience. Working together the citizens of today and future generations can enjoy a healthier, safer and more secure environment.  Light refreshments will be served.