Staples Urban Environment Challenge
Climate Change Resources
Here you will find resources that support climate change research for action projects. Some may be specific to locations participating in the Staples Urban Environment Challenge, while others are accessible to anyone.
Informational:
Climate Institute - Provides a comprehensive source for exploring the causes and impacts of climate change around the world. Organized by topic. Written to guide policy and action.
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) - Climate Change Resources - Includes basic information, policy, climate economics, as well as information specific to where you live
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) - Climate Basics - Frequently asked questions about climate change from EPA (pdf)
Exploratarium - Global Climate Change Research Explorer -Produced by the National Science Foundation, this web module explores how climate change is impacting the different "spheres" of our planet.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - The leading authority on climate change, the IPCC is a group of scientists and researchers from around the world that provide a clear scientific view on the current state of climate change and its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts .
MIT Joint Program on the Science & Policy of Global Change - Climate change is a very complex issue that will have impacts on every single living thing on Earth. Massachusetts Institute of Technology has put together a research team of scientists and researchers from all disciplines to explore the issues. This site has a TON of resources including research papers, video presentations, maps, and graphics.
NASA - Global Climate Change - Links to causes, effects, solutions, and interactive resources from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Geographic - Global Warming - Complete with stunning photographs and graphics, the National Geographic Society provides an in-depth look at the causes and effects of climate change.
NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) - ClimateWatch - As the chief agency in charge of tracking atmospheric conditions, NOAA provides up-to-date data and research findings as part of their graphical "climate dashboard". Also provides a huge variety of datasets and graphs for older students.
NatureServe Climate Change Vulnerability Index (video) - The Index, or CCVI, provides land and natural-resource managers and policymakers with a rapid, cost-effective means of screening species' relative vulnerability to climate change.
Skeptical Science - Examining Global Warming Skepticism - Science is based on theories, so skepticism is healthy and makes science stronger. But there are several arguements that have been used to try and disprove climate change that are not founded on science. Read how those arguments are being responded to by scientists here.
US World Global Research Program - Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States - Comprehensive report of potential impacts of climate change around the US. Produced by interagency task force. Downloadable as PDF.
World Youth Report: Youth and Climate Change - Published by the UN Programme on Youth (UNPY) and focused on climate change, the report highlights the important role young people play in addressing climate change, and offers suggestions on how young people might be more effectively integrated as individuals and collective agents of change within the realm of climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Interactive:
Climate Hot Map - Map illustrating local and global impacts of climate change. Produced by Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, US PIRG, World Resources Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund.
Climate Wizard - Interactive web site where students can map temperature changes, precipitation, etc, nationally or by state, over periods of time. There is also access to case studies, documentation and other resources.
Google Earth: Impact of Climate Change - "Google Earth video tour with Kofi Annan explaining the effects of our changing climate, and how individuals are working to cope with them." - includes links to lesson plans submitted by educators and to other Google Earth climate change videos
National Geographic - Global Warming Effects Map - Explore the impacts that are expected around the world as a result of climate change.
US Global Change Research Program - Wildlife & Wildlands - Interactive site explores impacts on wildlife and wilderness by eco-region.
ZeroFootprint Carbon Footprint Calculator (for younger users) (for older users) - Each individual on this planet contributes to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere -- when we eat, when we heat our homes, when we drive to school. Do you know how much carbon dioxide YOU release into the atmosphere each year? Use this simple calculator to figure it out and then find ways to reduce your personal carbon footprint.
Alternative energy
Harvard University Center for the Environment - Future of Energy - A video lecture series provided by Harvard on the future of energy and opportunities for innovation.
US Dept. of Energy - Energy Kids - A simplified look at energy consumption in the US and a breakdown by renewable v. non-renewable sources
US Dept. of Energy - Renewable & Alternative Fuels - Data collected for the US production and use of alternative energy sources
Carbon
17 Years of Discovery in Duke Forest Comes to a Close (article) - "Long-term Ecological Experiment Will Continue to Provide Critical Data About the Impacts of Rising Carbon Dioxide"
The Case of the Missing Carbon (National Geographic article) - "Burning fossil fuels, humans pump CO2 into the atmosphere. Fortunately, plants and ocean waters gather it in. But what if this great recycling system went awry?"
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute - Following the Carbon Cycle - An animated Flash video illustrates the carbon cycle and how carbon enters the atmosphere and oceans.
Climate & Weather
NASA - What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate? - NASA, using excellent graphics, explains the difference between climate and weather as a reflection of time.
Why the Wild Winter Weather by Paul Epstein, M.D. (Huffington Post article 1/13/11) - How is it "global warming" if we have seen so much snow this winter? Read the explanation and the distinction between "weather" and "climate" here.
World Health Organization - Weather and climate: changing human exposures - When we talk about climate change, it's important to distinguish between the overall climate of the Earth and the weather we are experiencing. This difference has big impacts on human health around the world
Energy efficiency
Greening Schools - Resources to conduct school energy efficiency assessments for various grade levels.
US Dept. of Energy - National program developed to encourage energy efficiency throughout the US. Provides information on becoming more efficient and opportunities for support.
US Dept of Energy - Do-it-yourself Home Energy Assessments - Learn how to assess the efficiency of your home.
Food & Hunger
World Food Programme - Climate Change and Hunger - The international program dedicated to fighting world hunger has released a comprehensive report on the anticipated effects of climate change on the world hunger levels and access to food.
Worldwatch Institute - Climate Change Will Worsen Hunger Study Says (article 9/3/09)
'Food Security and Climate Change Deeply Interconnected' says UN Secretary-General (article on Circle of Blue.com 11/17/09) - Farmers are hurt by erratic water supplies and underinvestment, according to summit speakers.
CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) - Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security - International research organization provides lots of research reports and policy recommendations to address agricultural production and feeding the world population as the climate changes.
Greenhouse Gases & Greenhouse Effect
Encyclopedia of the Earth - Greenhouse Gases - Written by scientists, this encylopedia entry provides a comprehensive overview of what a greehouse gas is and how they are contributing to climate change.
National Geographic - The Greenhouse Effect - Using animation, National Geographic illustrates what is causing the Greenhouse Effect and how it is impacting the Earth's climate.
NOAA - Greenhouse Gases - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides an overview of the gases that are most problematic for climate change.
Health
Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Climate Change & Public Health - Climate change is expected to impact the health of humans around the world, with implications including injuries and illnesses from severe weather, floods, and heat exposure; increases in disease caused by allergies, respiratory problems, and illnesses carried by insects or in water; and threats to the safety and availability of our food and water supplies. Learn about how the CDC is preparing for these potential issues.
Climate change poses health hazards for Chicago (article by Todd Loesch, Tina Amirkiai and Tyler Smith Northeastern Univ. 3/11/10) - "Heat-related deaths, the spread of infectious diseases and the threat of natural disasters in Chicago could skyrocket in the coming decades unless greenhouse gas emissions are curbed."
March 11, 2010
Climate Institute - Human Health - Broad overview of the impacts of climate change for human health around the world.
Oceans
Changing Climate Means Changing Oceans (NPR Article 1/21/11) - Scientists who study the oceans say the effects of climate change are already being seen in the world's oceans.
Climate Change Hits the Oceans (Time Mag. article 5/20/10) - To get a measure of what's truly going on, scientists look to the oceans � slow to heat up, slow to cool down, and thus less prone to short-term variations.They agree that climate change is happening.
New England Aquarium - Climate Change & the Oceans - With a strong conservation mission, the New England Aquarium provides a wealth of information about the potential impacts of climate change on our oceans and ocean ecosystems.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute - As a research institute completely dedicated to the study of the Earth's oceans, climate change is a big issue for the scientists at Woods Hole. Read about some of their research and findings on how climate change is expected to effect the world's oceans and the life they support.
Plants & Climate Change
Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council (SE-EPC) - Search 'climate change' and access numerous articles about the effect of invasive species on climate change.
Even Plants May Not Like a Warmer World (article from Time Magazine) - "In a set of experiments called the Free-Air Carbon-dioxide Enrichment Project, or FACE, investigators have been introducing CO2 into the air in experimental fields and forests around the world. The result is that some plants do grow bigger, but 'an increase in growth doesn't necessarily mean an increase in the plants you want.'"
Right Mix of Trees Fights Global Warming (article from Science Daily) - "A research team found 31 hardy trees that sequester carbon efficiently for the New York region, mitigating against the impacts of high deforestation and carbon release into the atmosphere in that area."
California Plants Put a Wrinkle in Climate Change (article from NPR) - "As the globe warms up, many plants and animals are moving uphill to keep their cool. Conservationists are anticipating much more of this as they make plans to help natural systems adapt to a warming planet."
Using Trees to Curb Climate Change Not So Simple (article from NPR) - "Forests are fast becoming a great green hope for slowing climate change."
17 Years of Discovery in Duke Forest Comes to a Close (article) - "Long-term Ecological Experiment Will Continue to Provide Critical Data About the Impacts of Rising Carbon Dioxide"
Social & Political Issues
Bangladesh: At the mercy of climate change (article in The Independent 2/19/07) - It is more exposed than any other country to global warming. And a series of unusual events - from dying trees to freak weather - suggest its impact is already being felt. Justin Huggler reports from the Sundarbans nature reserve
Climate Change Seen as Threat to US Security (article in New York Times 8/8/09) - "The changing global climate will pose profound strategic challenges to the United States in coming decades, raising the prospect of military intervention to deal with the effects of violent storms, drought, mass migration and pandemics, military and intelligence analysts say."
Climate Change to Force Mass Migration, Study Warns (article in New York Times 2/7/11) - "The prospect that increasing floods, droughts and storms will prompt many millions of people to migrate to safer areas is still poorly understood and anticipated, according to a forthcoming report from the Asian Development Bank."
Does Climate Change Cause Conflict? (article from United Nations University 11/27/09) - Some data suggests that as areas of the world become hotter and dryer, conflicts over resources will increase. Not everyone agrees though.
Climate Institute - WATER - A look at the impacts of climate change for water resources and water quality around the world
EPA (US Envir. Protection Agency) - Climate Change and Water Resources - A look at the potential risks for water access in the US and around the world.
Warming Will Exacerbate Global Water Conflicts (article in the Washington Post 8/20/07) - "Changing weather patterns will leave millions of people without dependable supplies of water for drinking, irrigation and power, a growing stack of studies conclude."
Wildlife & Habitat
Defenders of Wildlife - Global Warming's Impact on Animals - Defenders of Wildlife provides an overview of the impacts of climate change on a wide variety of animals around the world.
National Wildlife Federation - NWF is an organization concerned about the health and well-being of the Earth's wildlife and the habitat that wildlife needs to survive. Animals like polars bears, different kinds of fish, and birds are all being effected because as the climate changes, the Arctic, oceans, and forests are all changing.
New England Aquarium - Climate Change & the Oceans - With a strong conservation mission, the New England Aquarium provides a wealth of information about the potential impacts of climate change on our oceans and ocean ecosystems.
The Nature Conservancy - Climate Change & Biodiversity: An interactive map - Experts predict that a quarter of the Earth's species will be headed for extinction by 2050 if warming trend continues at its current rate. Map provides a global look at some of those species and what The Nature Conservancy is doing to address these threats.
US Global Change Research Program - Wildlife & Wildlands - Interactive site explores impacts on wildlife and wilderness by eco-region.
Atlanta
Atlanta Regional Commission - Learn about the plan developed by the Atlanta Regional Commission to reduce transportation-associate greenhouse gases in the city.
Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council (SE-EPC) - Search 'climate change' and access numerous articles about the effect of invasive species on climate change.
Boston
City of Boston - As a major coastal city, climate change has major implications for Boston. Learn about some of the plans and programs being developed by the city to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare for the impacts of climate change
Environment Massachusetts - Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative - As part of a regional effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiatve includes eight states in the northeast that have agreed to begin implementing a cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide emitted by the region's power plants. Learn more about the innovative program.
MIT Joint Program on the Science & Policy of Global Change - Climate change is a very complex issue that will have impacts on every single living thing on Earth. Massachusetts Institute of Technology has put together a research team of scientists and researchers from all disciplines to explore the issues. This site has a TON of resources including research papers, video presentations, maps, and graphics.
New England Aquarium - Climate Change in New England - As a coastal region, climate change presents signficant challenges for New England.
http://www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research/climate_change/
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association - NSEA offers professional development opportunities, curriculum, and resources for teachers and non-formal educators on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and on the science and applications of renewable energy.
Charlotte
Charlotte Sierra Club - Conservation resources related to oil and air quality, as well as information on contacting local officials about issues
Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment - Faculty database searchable by expertise is a great resource for reaching out to others who have addressed climate change-related issues in the past.
NC Green Power - Speakers Bureau of volunteers willing to come and talk about the organization's work across the state. Also have a "Conservation Corner" with links to activities, and online carbon offset calculator
NC Solar Center - Activities for students and lesson plans for teachers through their kids engineering site
Reedy Creek Nature Center - Access to resources and field trips, environmental history of the area and the Center for Biodiversity Studies
Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council (SE-EPC) - Search 'climate change' and access numerous articles about the effect of invasive species on climate change.
State Climate Office of North Carolina - "The State Climate Office of NC is the primary source for NC weather and climate information and is involved in all aspects of climate research, education, and extension services. The State Climate Office of NC is a public-service center, part of the UNC system, housed at North Carolina State University."
Even Plants May Not Like a Warmer World (article about Duke University study) - Time Magazine - "In a set of experiments called the Free-Air Carbon-dioxide Enrichment Project, or FACE, investigators have been introducing CO2 into the air in experimental fields and forests around the world. The result is that some plants do grow bigger, but 'an increase in growth doesn't necessarily mean an increase in the plants you want.'"
17 Years of Discovery in Duke Forest Comes to a Close (article) - "Long-term Ecological Experiment Will Continue to Provide Critical Data About the Impacts of Rising Carbon Dioxide"
Chicago
Chicago Climate Action Plan - The City of Chicago is taking climate change seriously, planning for how to adapt and finding ways to reduce the city's emissions. Read about how each individual has a role to play in the city's action plan.
Chicago Wilderness - Chicago Wilderness is an organization committed to connecting people to the environment around them. They recently conducted a study on the impacts of climate change on the wild areas around the Chicago area, which is available for download.
Dallas
Denver
Las Vegas
New York City
NYC Dept. of Education - Sustainability Initiative - In order to continue to be the leader in sustainable education and operation of sustainable facilities, DOE plans to double its annual recycling by 2013, to reduce green house gas emissions by 30% by 2017 from DOE buildings and operations, to provide sustainable curriculum resources to principals and teachers, to participate in citywide plaNYC initiatives and to set up programs to increase water efficiency. Learn more about the plan and how to contribute.
New York Dept. of Conservation - Office of Climate Change - This program was created to lead the development of programs and policies that mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and help New York communities and individuals adapt when changes in our climate cannot be avoided.
NYU Steinhardt - The Wallerstein Collaborative for Urban Environmental Education - The goal of the Collaborative is to provide a year-round program which stimulates public school teachers in the metropolitan New York City region to incorporate environmental education in their classrooms. The Collaborative also provides increased environmental education opportunities for pre-service teachers through direct experience in the urban environment.
NYC Climate Change Information Resource portal - Regional clearinghouse of information, with the goal of advancing scientific research and public policy by improving the communication of climate change data and information to urban policy- and decision-makers and residents and, by so doing, to improve their capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change.
NYC Stuff Exchange - An online listing to donate, sell, buy, rent, or repair stuff as opposed to throwing it away. The goal of the NYC Stuff Exchange is to help lessen the City�s waste by encouraging the reuse of materials that might otherwise be discarded as trash.
NYSERDA - Get Energy Smart -A collaboration between the state and energy users to find meaningful ways to increase energy efficiency.
PlanNYC 2030 - To prepare for the impacts of climate change and to reduce the city's contribution to the greenhouse effect, NYC has developed a comprehensive plan for the city government, for businesses, for schools, and for residents, with a range of goals set for 2030. Read about the plan and how you can do your part.
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative - New York has agreed to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) which is the first mandatory, market-based effort in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Ten Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states have capped and will reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector 10% by 2018.
San Diego
California Plants Put a Wrinkle in Climate Change (article) - NPR - "As the globe warms up, many plants and animals are moving uphill to keep their cool. Conservationists are anticipating much more of this as they make plans to help natural systems adapt to a warming planet."
California Climate Change Portal - California produces roughly 1.4 percent of the world's, and 6.2 percent of the total U.S. greenhouse gases. This website is maintained by a group of agencies and organizations around the state to present and share data, programs, and results of efforts to address California's impacts on climate change.
California Dept. of Water Resources - Climate Change - Water is already a big concern for the people of California and climate change may increase those concerns. LEarn about some of the ways the state is preparing to face water challenges.
Seattle
Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality - Learn about how the Seattle City Council has committed the city to carbon neutrality
Climate Impacts Group - research center of University of Washington - Interdisciplinary research center focusing on the causes and impacts of climate change, specifically as they relate to the Pacific Northwest. Good source for regionally-specific data and research.
Puget Sound Energy - As the primary provider of energy services for the region, Puget Sound Energy provides environmental education programming for middle and high school students, as well as school grants to install renewable energy demonstrations.
Saving Water Partnership - The City of Seattle and surrounding town water authorities have joined forces to help citizens conserve water. Resources and data about water usage and accessability can be found here.
Seattle Climate Action Now - The city-sponsored program is an exciting effort to give everyone in Seattle the tools needed to start making a real difference at home, at work, and on the road. It will bring you together with people across the street and across town to take action to protect the climate for all of us and for future generations.
Seattle Public Schools - Natural Resource Conservation resources - a list of materials and resources available to teachers and classrooms in the school system.
Seattle Public Utilities - Conservation services - Comprehensive list of resources and materials for energy and resources conservation projects supported by the city (including teacher resources).
Sustainable Seattle - Sustainable Seattle is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the Central Puget Sound.
US Fish & Wildlife Federation - Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest - a comprehensive review of the impacts of climate change on the areas wildlife and habitat.
US Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Global Change Research - a series of reports on how climate change may effect natural resources and forests in the region.
Washington Green Schools - Nonprofit provides resources and tools to involve students, teachers, and community members in assessing and taking action to increase resource conservation and waste reduction in Washinton schools.
Alliance for Climate Education - Offers curriculum, activities, presentations, and will provide high school assemblies free of charge in participating cities.
Carbon Stabilization Game - For advanced students, an interactive game for exploring the complexities of reducing carbon emissions developed by researchers at Princeton.
CLEAN (Climate Literacy & Energy Awareness Network) - Educator network and comprehensive library of educational materials for range of ages. ( AWESOME!)
Climate Classroom - The National Wildlife Federation has developed a whole range of lesson plans, project examples, and climate change facts for classrooms. There are seperate programs for elementary/ middle school age students and one for teens.
Facing the Future - Downloadable climate change curriculum, as well as links to other climate change resources - Facing the Future engages students in learning by making academics relevant to their lives. We empower students to think critically, develop a global perspective, and participate in positive solutions for a sustainable future.
Global Climate Change Education - Lesson plans and activities that provide background knowledge on climate change
Greening Schools - Resources to conduct school energy efficiency assessments for various grade levels.
The GREENS - A production of PBS, The GREENS is an interactive website full of games and activities that provide younger students with useful information about the connections between our day to day lives and its impact on climate change.
KidWind - WindWise is a comprehensive interdisciplinary wind energy curriculum for middle and high school levels. Every lesson has an inquiry-based introduction and a hands-on activity to develop analytical skills (some lessons available for free download)
National Earth Science Teachers Association's Windows to the Universe - "From this hub you will find resources associated with the NASA-funded Global Climate Change Educator Professional Development Network. Includes access to free 90-minute live seminars, activities, journal, workshops, research and more.
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Climate and atmospheric data can be very confusing for students and difficult to present, which is why NOAA has put together a comprehensive library of activities, graphics, videos, and presentations specifically for educators to help teach climate science and to explain how climate change is occuring and its potential impacts.
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association - NSEA offers professional development opportunities, curriculum on specific energy & transportation issues, and resources for teachers and non-formal educators on energy efficiency, energy conservation, and on the science and applications of renewable energy.
Skeptical Science - Examining Global Warming Skepticism - Climate change can be hard to teach about because there are so many arguments for and against its existance. In reality, there are many more reasons supporting its existance than you would think. Learn about some of the arguments against climate change and the reasons scientists find these arguments weak here.
US Global Change Research Program - Interagency research program provides resources (including grant funding) to educators to teach climate literacy.
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