TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) -Environmental groups gathered at the Kansas Capitol for the 10th annual Wealth Day, an event designed to educate people about environmental initiatives and what they can do to help those efforts in their own communities.

The event’s name stands for water, air, land, transportation, and health — elements that can make the difference between a plentiful environment or a barren one.

Organizers said the event provides a rare opportunity to discuss environmental issues at the Capitol.

“Nobody here at the capital talks about climate change,” said Dorothy Barnett, executive director of Climate and Energy Project. “And so this is at least one day a year that these groups come together and we talk about our concern for the environment, but also the benefits that renewable energy and energy efficiency can bring.”

Advocates said the issues addressed at Wealth Day require long-term commitment.

“These are big issues that aren’t going to be solved in a day, or maybe even a year; these are generational issues that are going to take a collective effort,” said Climate and Energy Program Director Christina Haswood. “And I think our WEALTH advocates are educating our legislators that we want to continue to fight for these, and we must.”

Organizers said protecting the environment is important for future generations.

“Kansans of all stripes want a future where their kids and their grandkids can breathe clean air, where we can have access to freshwater,” Barnett said. “And we need to be able to protect our environment in order to have those things.”

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