A statement reaffirming climate change signed by 31 scientists from 22 colleges and universities in Iowa is making its way to Gov. Terry Branstad’s office Tuesday.

The statement urges politicians and candidates to acknowledge the science of climate change and present appropriate policy responses. “All major scientific societies and the US National Academy of Science have affirmed that the recent rise in greenhouse gases in the global atmosphere has contributed to changes in our climate,” the statement reads.

Additional climate changes will challenge farmers and planners “to maintain the prosperity of our state and its role in national and global food security,” according to the statement.