Autumn 2009
Newsletter
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IN THIS ISSUE
The Hipboot Tour
Windows around the World Connect K-6 Students
Chewonki Foundation earns Climate Champion Award
Interviews with Members
A New Addition to the Family
Climate Literacy Working Group to include Collaborative Manager
Climate Change Backpack on National Stage
Climate Legislation Introduced in the Senate
Calling All Bloggers!
Science News from the Web
MEMBER EVENTS
THE LAST WORD: Putting on Hipboots
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WE'RE WEARING HIPBOOTS! ARE  YOU?
Clean Air-Cool Planet visited Hampton, N.H. on Thursday, Oct. 29 with its Hip-Boot Tour, a series of community roundtables and outreach events in seven cities and towns on the east coast. The communities were chosen because they stand to be inundated by a meter or more of sea level rise which is now considered likely by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced.
In cooperation with local groups in Hampton, Portland, ME, Philadelphia, PA, Norfolk, VA, Wilmington, NC, and Miami and Tampa FL, CA-CP brought the latest science in sea level rise and ice sheets to officials and citizens.
In each community, scientists with firsthand experience in Greenland or the Antarctic presented the latest research, which indicates a rapid escalation in the contributions of polar ice discharge to sea-level rise and the potential for “dynamic changes” in ice sheets at the poles.
Each event also featured a spokesperson from Clean Air-Cool Planet addressing policy solutions, including stringent cap-and-trade legislation in Congress and U.S. participation in an international campaign to reduce short-lived pollutants, including methane and black carbon, which scientists believe are accelerating the warming in the Arctic.
To see maps showing coastal inundation likely to occur in key cities, based on scientists' latest estimates of sea level rise, visit hipboottour.info.
NEW ONLINE PROGRAM CONNECTS ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM
AROUND THE WORLD
 Windows around the World is a web-based educational tool designed for elementary students (K – 6). The program connects children from widely scattered regions of the world and allows the students to become actively involved in the exchange of information. The objectives of the program are to promote learning about environmental science and cultural geography and to bring together children and parents in vastly separated regions of the world. It is hoped that the program will foster international collaboration and a sense of global unity. Students (future leaders and workers) will be active participants in the study.
The educational aims of the program are to increase student knowledge and curiosity about the Earth, different cultures, and about global systems. The goal is to increase retention in the educational system and in math, science, and technology standards though the program may be used as a visual aid or spring board in language arts and art classes as well. Some unique features of the program include the use of visual data collected by webcams at each school, and the dynamic graphing of student-collected data.
For more information about this elementary school exchange and exploration program, contact Dr. Juanita Urban-Rich at Juanita.urban-rich@umb.edu or visit the website www.WindowsAroundTheWorld.org
CHEWONKI FOUNDATION HONORED FOR CLIMATE LEADERSHIP
 The Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset, Maine, is the first science center to receive Clean Air-Cool Planet’s Climate Champion Award. This award is in recognition of the quality and level of innovation of Chewonki's outreach and education efforts. It has reduced its own emissions and developed materials, lessons, and demonstration projects on a wide range of sustainability-related topics, including solid-waste management and the use of renewable fuels. Chewonki also originated and supported the nation's first publicly accessible direct high-pressure hydrogen system, which was designed to explore the use of hydrogen as a storage medium for all renewable energy sources. Photo: CA-CP's CEO Adam Markham (left) with Joshua Marvil and Don Hudson of the Chewonki Foundation.
Click here to read about the 2009 Climate Champion Awards. For more about the Chewonki Foundation, please visit their website.
INTERVIEWS WITH MEMBERS
THE REY CENTER CARRIES ON LEGACY OF "CURIOUS GEORGE" AUTHORS
Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the Curious George children’s book series and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, NH, were artists and adventurers, historians and naturalists, gardeners and environmental stewards. Today their spirit lives on in the Margret and H.A. Rey Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the Reys’ legacy through art, science, and adventure programs for all ages.
How did you become interested in teaching about climate change science?
H.A. Rey was a proponent of alternative energy, especially wind power, before climate change was a common topic of discussion and debate. In 1973, H.A. wrote an essay titled, “Chat With a Fire Tower,” in which he had an imaginary conversation with a retired fire tower that wanted to be repurposed as a wind turbine to create clean and renewable energy. In the essay, the fire tower’s motivation was to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but today, we know that developing alternative energy sources will not just reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources, but will also help to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. H.A. Rey’s passionate calls for renewable energy and his love for the natural world are the reasons for the Rey Center’s interest in teaching about climate change. Picture: The Curious George Cottage at the Rey Center.
When it comes to addressing climate change, what do you see as the Rey Center's greatest accomplishment to date?
The Rey Center’s greatest accomplishment to date in our efforts to educate about Climate Change has been the establishment of the Mount Tecumseh Research and Education Transect. The purpose of the Mount Tecumseh Research and Education Transect (TRET) is to consider climate change impacts on plants, creating long-term climate and vegetation datasets that will form the basis for identifying the current and future impacts of climate change on regional forest ecosystems. The Rey Center undertakes such research efforts to further the conservation and sustainable management of New Hampshire’s natural landscapes, and also to provide an opportunity to engage both the public and schoolchildren in scientific research focused on understanding the potential impacts of climate change.
The Tecumseh Transect is located on the White Mountain National Forest and is collected with permission under a special use permit through the US Forest Service. The intent of the data are to provide information to land managers in the northeast, such as the Forest Service, about responses of plants and trees to our changing climate. This type of change cannot be observed over one or two seasons, thus the long term nature of the project. So for now, we are in the beginning stages of establishing the data set.
As the research protocols for this project were being developed and field tested, the Rey Center also introduced an education initiative that combined outdoor adventure with citizen science titled “Tecumseh Overnights: Mountain Climate, Ecology and Stargazing.” For the past three summers, both public and organized camp groups have been led by Rey Center research staff on fun and engaging overnight hikes that include an opportunity to participate in data collection, and in activities that promote an understanding of climate change (Using Climate Change Backpack activities, of course!).
The next stage of this project will be to develop a set of research protocols appropriate for high school students to not only engage them in learning about climate change, but also to build students’ skills in conducting scientific inquiry and investigation.
What do you think are the most important messages about climate change that educators can share with their students?
I think the most important message to share is that students can make a difference. We have to link human behaviors to the climate change impacts we are already seeing and also those that scientists predict for our future. We can do this by focusing on actions that individuals can take, things such as reducing energy consumption and considering consumer habits. We also have to share inspirational examples of groups of students that came together to make a difference in their school or their community.
What is your strategy when teaching about climate change?
The Rey Center’s strategy when teaching about climate change is to make it less abstract by keeping the focus local. Thinking about questions like, “What does climate change mean for New Hampshire?” and “How might climate change impact our way of life in New Hampshire or New England?” are questions that bring climate change down to a meaningful scale and help students see how they fit into the solution.
What is one personal step that you have taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
One personal step that I have taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is in my home. My husband and I have switched to using compact fluorescent light bulbs in our lamps and light fixtures. This is an easy fix that anyone can do that can really make a difference. We have also begun the process of replacing old windows with insulating windows that will reduce the energy required to heat our home.
At the Rey Center, we have begun plans for future renovations to the Curious George Cottage (the former summer home of Margret and H.A. Rey) that will make it a demonstration home for sustainable technologies. Stay tuned for more information: http://thereycenter.org.
NEWS BRIEFS
ANNOUNCING A NEW ADDITION TO THE FAMILY: WELCOME!
 A new and exciting addition to the Connecticut Science Center Collaborative—the Connecticut Science Center—aims to be cutting edge and unique in how it helps youth discover science. Boasting 40,000 square feet of 150 hands-on exhibits, 4 educational labs, and a 3-D theatre, it is engaging and motivating while instructing visitors on a wide array of science topics.
The Connecticut Science Center has exhibits that are particularly interesting from a climate change perspective. Its “Energy City” exhibit allows for visitors to explore alternative energy through such engaging activities as "energy watt" pinball. You can also calculate your personal carbon footprint, add up the savings of select "smart energy" behaviors, and tour virtual town settings to measure the effect of energy usage and its impact on people, the planet, and profits. Its “Planet Earth” exhibit introduces changes, both big and small, that our climate has undergone. It discusses the people who try to forsee future weather pattern and allows visitors to attempt to make their own predictions.
AAAS INVITES JAKUBOWSKI TO JOIN CLIMATE LITERACY WORKING GROUP
Karin Jakubowski has been accepted to participate in a national working group to discuss ways to promote climate literacy through informal science this winter. Her teammate for the workshop will be Zach Smith, Program Coordinator at the Wright Center for Science Education at Tufts University.
The American Association for Advancement of Science received over 150 applications for its Conference on Promoting Climate Literacy Through Informal Science, which will be held in San Diego from Feb. 17-18, 2010, but could only accept 50. Karin is honored to be chosen and looks forward to a couple days of good brainstorming.
CLIMATE CHANGE BACKPACK INTRODUCED AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Karin Jakubowski, manager of the Science Center Collaborative, conducted a climate workshop at the annual conference of the North American Association for Environmental Education in Portland, Oregon, recently. Nicole Scola, Coordinator of Teacher Services at New England Aquarium, co-presented.
The conference featured strands of workshops grouped by concentration of environmental science. Jakubowski proposed a climate strand, which was accepted. She said her session was very successful and included about 35 attendees.
Jakubowski introduced the Climate Change Backpack, a climate change curriculum tool which fits into a Timberland day pack and can be used in formal classroom settings – it meets education standards – and informal educational settings, such as national parks.
“The fact that the Backpack has now been presented at a national association for environmental educators reinforces that the product is receiving national attention as a worthy tool to share with members,” Jakubowski said.
SENS. KERRY AND BOXER RELEASE BILL TO
TAKE CHARGE OF U.S. ENERGY FUTURE
U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and John Kerry (D-Mass.) have released the long-awaited Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, a bill designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote new jobs, new energy sources, and energy security for the nation.
“It is our hope that this legislation will lead to a solid American commitment, and a positive outcome in the global negotiations in Copenhagen,” said Adam Markham, CEO of Clean Air-Cool Planet. “We look forward to Senate consideration of the proposed legislation, which we hope will ensure that the emissions reduction program agreed upon will be as economically efficient as possible.”
Hearings held the week of October 26 featured both administration and public testimony before the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee.
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING OR ARCTIC MELTING?
CA-CP IS LOOKING FOR GUEST BLOGGERS
 Clean Air-Cool Planet is now accepting blogs from scientists, people working on climate change solutions, educators, and others who have something to say about efforts to curb global climate change, save the melting Arctic, or promote energy efficiency. Entries should be 400-600 words. If available, send a headshot (jpg) along with your text. Entries should be sent to Kay Harrison at Clean Air-Cool Planet.
NOVEMBER 7 EDUCATOR WORKSHOP TO FEATURE
UPDATED CLIMATE CHANGE BACKPACK™
Our successful, K-12 teacher-preferred Climate Change Backpack™ has returned with extensive updates. The Backpack is a CA-CP original climate change curriculum tool designed for use in both the classroom and the field. The next Climate Educators' Workshop, which will feature this new version, is scheduled for November 7 at the Margret and H.A. Rey Center in Waterville Valley NH. Learn more and register online here.
November 7, 2009: 9:30-3:30
The Rey Center
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
Read more about the Rey Center here.
Registration Rates
Training registration only- $30
Training + Climate Change Backpack - $130
Your registration fee includes beverages and light snacks as well as the day's program. |
Science News from the Web
EVENTS FROM OUR MEMBERS
- Sustainability Education Week, November 9-13
THE U.S. PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The USPESD encourages participation in sustainability education learning opportunities beginning the week of November 9-13 and continuing throughout the school year. Teaching resources and sustainability standards for the K-12 education community are available at www.uspartnership.org.
- Keep Connecticut Cool Challenge: Free Workshop
Open to students and mentors
Date: November 21. Must register by November 12!
Keep Connecticut Cool Challenge! (www.keepconnecticutcool.org) Students in grades 5-12 create climate change solutions in their schools and communities, gain leadership skills and can earn up to $3000. The new year starts with a free workshop for students and mentors—November 21 at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport.
- Polar Activities Share-a-thon
- 2010 National NSTA Conference, Philadelphia
Session is on Thursday, March 18, 2010, from 8-9am EST.
- To make the most of the Polar Activities Share-a-thon, we are inviting educators to participate! You do not need to be at the conference to utilize the space --- but if you are attending, that is even better! Please participate in the survey by clicking
here.
- Webinar on Free Energy Education Programs for Grades K-12.
Brought to you by: CT Clean Energy Fund
CT Energy Efficiency Fund and
Institute for Sustainable Energy
Date: November 23 at 3:30 p.m. or December 3 at 12:00 p.m
These energy education programs are free, and available for use by your local schools. To sign up for this webinar, please email lcei@ctcleanenergy.com
Workshop for Educators: Teaching About Climate Change Solutions
Saturday, January 23, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
Registration available soon.
A climate change solutions workshop was developed in response to teacher demand for more activities about actions individuals can take to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This workshop details what is happening with climate change and our oceans at the policy level as well as greenhouse gas emission reductions from the national level to the individual. Solution-based classroom activities from the Climate Change Backpack™ (and a few more) will be conducted, and educators will learn about steps they can take with their students to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Resources, including information on the New England Carbon Challenge and the Climate Change Backpack™ will be provided.
T H E L A S T W O R D
Putting on Our Hipboots in Coastal Communities
By Krista Macomber, Communications Assistant, Clean Air-Cool Planet
 Before a fittingly dramatic ocean, CA-CP’s own Bill Burtis strapped on a pair of hip boots at Hampton Beach, N.H., last week and demonstrated the nearly three and a half feet of sea level rise that is expected if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced. Photo: Measuring a meter: Krista Macomber marks a meter on Bill Burtis, Communications Manager at Clean Air-Cool Planet.
The display was part of CA-CP’s Hipboot Tour, which has brought community roundtable discussions and outreach events to seven cities and towns along the East Coast which stand to be affected by sea level rise.
Steve Miller, Great Bay Coastal Training Program coordinator, began the day across the street at the Ashworth by the Sea hotel. He welcomed about 50 local energy committee members, state representatives, policemen, and others to the tour and introduced the conversation topics and experts for the day.
Drs. Mark Fahnestock and Gordon Hamilton, Research Associate Professors at The University of New Hampshire and The University of Maine respectively, presented much of their field research on glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica. They showed images and videos of large ice bergs breaking off of glaciers which drew audible gasps from the audience.
Dr. Fahnenstock has been measuring ice discharge in Greenland. His recent focus is on the controls underlying rapid ice flow and on atmospheric interactions that determine surface conditions on the large ice sheets.
Dr. Hamilton studies ice sheet mass and their role in modulating global sea levels using GPS and GPR as well as satellite remote sensing. His current study is on rapid glacier changes in East Greenland and ITASE.
Thomas Burack, Commissioner of the N.H. Department of Environmental Services and member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s board of directors, and Rafe Pomerance, founder of the Climate Policy Center and President of CA-CP, provided policy context.
A question and answer session followed lectures which drew so much passion and hefty questions that it had to be cut short. Attendees mingled after words, discussing climate change and Arctic ice sheets amongst themselves and further questioning presenters before heading outside for the hipboot demonstration.
Miller noted in his concluding remarks that the day’s discussion was hard to summarize. Our knowledge of the science expands every day, and though we can’t say exactly how much sea level is going to rise, it is still important to start a dialogue in both our professional and private lives.
“It’s about taking a look at what we value today and how that will change,” he said. “I had to look up my house on Google Earth before I came here to see if my garage is going to become a boathouse in my lifetime.”
For more information, maps and photos, please see www.hipboottour.info.
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