As defined by the United Nations, Climate change refers to the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, but since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels which produces heat-trapping gases.
1. What is Climate Change
a. A simple guide: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-24021772
This site provides a clear straightforward explanation using charts and pictures about what Climate Change is.
2. Climate Change in PA
a. PA Climate Change: https://usafacts.org/issues/climate/state/pennsylvania
Climate in PA is comprised of many factors that impact our communities, schools, and businesses over time. This site provides data on how different regions and populations experience temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events historically.
b. Climate Change: DEP: What is it? Resources from DEP: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/climate/Pages/default.aspx
This site provides the most recent news about how Climate Change is affecting PA and provides helpful resources.
c. How is Climate Change impacting PA: https://gis.dep.pa.gov/ClimateChange/index.html
This is a visual explanation of how Climate Change is affecting PA.
3. How is Climate Change effecting Birds, Wildlife and Ecosystems
a. Survival by Degrees: 389 Bird Species on the Brink: by National Audubon: https://www.audubon.org/climate/survivalbydegrees/
Audubon scientists took advantage of 140 million observations, recorded by birds and scientists, to describe where 604 North American bird species live today – an area know as their “range”. They then used the latest climate models to projects how each species’ range will shift as climate change and other human impacts advance across the continent. It’s clear, birds will be forced to locate or may even not survive.
b. What you can do in your community to help Birds and your ecosystem step by step: Your Guide to Climate Action: https://www.audubon.org/climate-action-guide
c. Climate Change Solutions: National Audubon’s Natural Climate Solution Report: How maintaining and restoring natural habitats can help mitigate climate change:
https://www.audubon.org/conservation/climate/naturalsolutions
d. Article: Impact of Climate Change on birds:
http://www.ibiologia.unam.mx/directorio/r/d_renton/pdf/Crick_2004.pdf
4. Take Action for Climate Change
https://www.climategen.org/take-action/act-climate-change/take-action/
This provides an action toolkit that can used by small groups or classroom settings.
5. Solutions for Climate Change
a. The Department of Energy created this comprehensive booklet to provide guidance to municipalities on moving towards solar electric:
https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2022/01/19/doe-releases-a-guide-to-increasing-solar-energy-use-in-communities/
b. PA Sustainability Community Certification:
https://www.sustainablepacommunitycertification.org/