Climate Change

Climate Summit

So, this semester I was busy with my internship preparing for Winona State's first Climate Summit!
It had begun in Bolivia when their Chacaltaya glacier (used to be the world's largest ski run located in the Andes Mountains) completely disappeared in ~2009. They decided something needed to be done and people needed to be aware that their actions were inducing an increase of greenhouse gas emissions which not only endangers the lives of polar bears and people from sea level rise, but also threatens the survival of people dependent on the freshwater springs that glaciers provide.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30832182@N03/8705013754/in/photostream/lightbox/

During the internship we had the opportunity to see real examples of what the effects of climate change were on health, declining water resources, contamination of water quality (due to sea level rise and salination of groundwater aquifers) and health effects. 

Climate Change seems to be highly debated, but in fact, all of the scientists, statisticians, and researchers agree. The only folks who don't agree, are those who simply do not understand what it is or prefer to be ignorant of the issues climate change creates so they do not have to deal with the consequences and responsibilities. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30832182@N03/8705013772/in/photostream/lightbox/

I thought one of the best videos about relaying information to a broad audience came from scientist Anthony Leiserowitz, (a director of the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication who specializes in the psychology of risk perception) who spoke on Bill Moyers show. He describes his efforts to stimulate people to action over what could be seen as "the greatest single threat facing humanity" and gives great examples for how to change communities' behavior to make a difference. 

It is called "End the Silence".

So, what can we do?

*Use less electricity, or at least waste less. Sun is a free light and heat source, use it when you can and you'll save your energy bill and overall lifetime of appliances.

*Improve vehicle fuel-efficiency either by personally changing driving habits or getting a car that doesn't suck your money out of your pockets and is fuel-efficient.

*Conserve energy at the workplace, home, your yard, etc.

At Home          At Office          At School          On The Road

Further Reading:

Climate Change: Why We Can't Wait

http://eartheasy.com/blog/2009/01/climate-change-why-we-cant-wait/

Global Warming: It's Not Too Late

http://eartheasy.com/article_global_warming_not_too_late.htm

The One-Ton Challenge

http://eartheasy.com/article_canada_challenge.htm

All About Glaciers

http://nsidc.org/cryosphere/glaciers/gallery/retreating.html

Worldwide Glacier Retreat

http://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2005/03/worldwide-glacier-retreat/

Retreat of Glaciers in Glacier National Park

http://www.nrmsc.usgs.gov/research/glacier_retreat.htm

Weather Channel: Crazy Effects of Climate Change

http://www.weather.com/wx/b