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Global Warming
 Websites presented in alphabetical order The Alliance for Climate Protection 
 The mission of this organization, founded by former U.S. vice president Al Gore, "is to persuade the American people -- and people elsewhere in the world -- of the importance and urgency of adopting and implementing effective and comprehensive solutions for the climate crisis." Its site features articles with suggestions for reducing climate change at home and at work, stories about people who are working to help solve the crisis, and video clips. http://www.climateprotect.org/ Topics: Environment Last updated Oct 15, 2007 As the World Burns
This special report on global warming features stories focusing on the idea that "think tanks and journalists funded by ExxonMobil are out to convince you global warming is a hoax." Includes a map of "global hot spots" and a chart showing the amount of funding from ExxonMobil received by organizations and statements made by those organizations about global warming. From Mother Jones magazine. http://www.motherjones.com/special-reports/2005/05/world-burns Topics: Environment, Industries Last updated Sep 9, 2009 California Climate Change Center, University of California at Berkeley
This site features a collection of reports "analyzing the expected impacts of climate change on California," including the August 2006 report, "Economic Growth and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in California." Includes a "briefing on the state of climate change policy at different levels of governance" with links to related sites in California, other states, for the U.S., and for the globe. From the University of California, Berkeley. http://calclimate.berkeley.edu Topics: Environment Last updated Sep 13, 2006 California Climate Change Portal
"This website combines information [from state government agencies and commissions] on the impacts of climate change on California and the state's policies relating to global warming." It provides background information, policy papers, reports, legislation, and other materials on California strategy related to global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change in the state. Maintained by the California Energy Commission. http://www.climatechange.ca.gov Topics: Environment Last updated Jun 3, 2007 The Canary Project
The mission of this project is "to photograph landscapes around the world that are exhibiting dramatic transformation due to global warming and to use these photographs to persuade as many people as possible that global warming is already underway and of immediate concern." Includes photos from New Orleans (after Hurricane Katrina), cloud forests in Costa Rica, glaciers in Austria, and other locations. From a travel photographer and a partner of an international investigative firm. http://www.canary-project.org/ Topics: Environment, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Weather Last updated Jul 31, 2006 Carbon Mitigation Initiative (CMI)
This site posits solutions to "the greenhouse gas problem." Find scientific and technical papers, references, and presentations on topics such as low-carbon energy technologies, underground carbon storage, and carbon mitigation strategies. Includes links to related websites. A joint project of Princeton University, BP, and the Ford Motor Company. http://www.princeton.edu/~cmi/ Topics: Environment, Pollution Last updated Apr 26, 2006 Clean Air-Cool Planet
This "organization [is] dedicated to finding and promoting solutions to global warming." It partners "with companies, campuses, communities and science centers throughout the Northeast to help reduce their carbon emissions." Its website features background about global warming and carbon emissions, case studies, and suggestions for reducing your personal carbon footprint and offsetting carbon emissions. Also includes a "Consumers' Guide to Retail Carbon Offset Providers." http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 24, 2008 Climate Change
This brief site explains the importance of changes in climate, and provides information on global warming, the greenhouse effect, and determining ancient climates from trees, coral reefs, polar ice caps, and the ocean floor. From the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/climate/ Topics: Environment, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife Last updated Mar 25, 2007 Climate Change at the National Academies
"The National Academies provides helpful analysis and advice to policymakers and stakeholders through its expert, consensus reports ...[that] are produced by committees of the nation's top scientists, engineers, and other experts who ... address key scientific and technical aspects of climate change." Site includes current climate-related consensus activities and links to publications on related environmental topics. http://dels.nas.edu/climatechange/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Technology, Weather Last updated Nov 15, 2008 Climate Change: Impacts and Solutions
Background about various aspects of climate change based on greenhouse gas emissions. Includes information about the changing amounts of carbon dioxide (one of the main greenhouse gases) in the earth's atmosphere, the role of forests and carbon sinks, impacts of climate change in the environment, a FAQ on the Kyoto Protocol, energy creation and use alternatives, and solutions such as going carbon neutral and buying carbon offsets. From the David Suzuki Foundation. http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Climate_Change/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 24, 2008 Climate Change: Insurance Issues
Summaries of various initiatives and proposals related to auto and homeowners insurance and climate change, mostly pertaining to risk management. Some of the topics include pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) auto insurance, regulatory initiatives, and global warming litigation. Also provides background about aspects of climate change of concern to insurance companies and descriptions of new products such as green building insurance coverage. From the Insurance Information Institute. http://www.iii.org/media/hottopics/insurance/climatechange/ Topics: Automobiles, Environment, Investing Last updated Apr 7, 2009 Climate Change: The Threat to Life and a New Energy Future
This companion website to a 2008-09 exhibit about climate change features illustrated sections covering the greenhouse effect, the carbon cycle, coal, oil and gas, ice cores, sea level rise, ocean chemistry, ecosystems, strategies for coping with climate change, and more. The "Making a Difference" section has suggestions for lowering emissions and saving energy. Also includes fast facts, sections for educators and children, and a blog. From the American Museum of Natural History. http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/climatechange/ Topics: Energy, Environment Last updated Apr 7, 2009 Climate Connections
This yearlong exploration of climate change throughout the world provides news and features about energy, fuel efficiency, carbon emissions, effects of climate change on plants and animals, activism, and other environmental topics. Also includes video clips, podcasts, images, and an interactive map showing coverage and conditions around the globe. From National Public Radio (NPR) and National Geographic. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9657621 Topics: Environment Last updated May 14, 2007 Climate Counts: Scorecard
You can use this site "to see how serious companies are about stopping climate change" in areas such as carbon footprint and efforts to reduce waste. View scores by industry such as apparel, consumer shipping, household products, media, and electronics. From Climate Counts, a nonprofit organization whose "goal is to motivate deeper awareness among consumers" about global warming. http://www.climatecounts.org/scorecard_overview.php Topics: Environment Last updated Jun 18, 2008 The Climate Group
Website for this "independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing business and government leadership on climate change. ... based in the UK, the USA and Australia." Features interviews with international business and government leaders, case studies about actions being taken by governmental and corporate actors "to minimize their carbon footprints," and suggestions for individuals for reducing emissions (with links to related sites). Also includes links to news stories, online publications, and more. http://www.theclimategroup.org Topics: Environment, Weather Last updated Jul 31, 2006 Climate Impacts Group (CIG)
This research group studies "the impacts of natural climate variability and global climate change ('global warming') on the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW)." Research focuses on water resources, aquatic ecosystems, forests, and coasts. The site features an overview of Pacific Northwest climate and the impacts of natural climate variability, climate outlooks, an overview of research with links to abstracts of publications, and related material. From the University of Washington. http://cses.washington.edu/cig/ Topics: Environment Last updated Nov 25, 2008 Consequences of a Rising Bay/Global Warming: New Set of Maps Reveals How Melting Polar Ice Could Change Shoreline and Carry a High Price for the Entire Region
These February 2007 maps, "which the Bay Conservation and Development Commission prepared for The Chronicle, offer a detailed look at how a changing shoreline would affect life around the [San Francisco] bay." Includes a map showing current shoreline and potential shoreline if bay rises one meter, and detailed maps for specific areas, such as Oakland Airport and the South Bay. Also includes link to related article. From SFGate.com, website for the San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2007/02/18/MNG6SO72DJ1.DTL&o=0 Topics: Environment Last updated Feb 20, 2007 CoolCalifornia.org
"The portal provides a carbon footprint calculator [and] solutions for improving energy efficiency." The carbon calculator (an "evolving tool") takes into account transportation, housing, food, and goods and services, and compares with California, national, and world averages. Find links to relevant resources (general and California-specific) about saving energy and water, changing consumption habits, global warming, and related topics. In English and Spanish. A partnership of government and education organizations. http://www.coolcalifornia.org/ Topics: Energy, Environment Last updated Mar 19, 2008 Dimming the Sun
Companion to an April 2006 Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Nova program about how "new evidence that air pollution has masked the full impact of global warming suggests the world may soon face a heightened climate crisis." Features material about history of this phenomenon going back to volcanic eruptions during the 18th-century, how contrails (vapor trails from aircraft) may influence the climate, and information about clean air technologies. Includes a teacher's guide and transcript. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sun/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Jun 27, 2006 The Discovery of Global Warming
Expansion of a 2003 book that "tells the history of climate change research as a single connected narrative." Topics include influences on climate (such as the greenhouse effect and aerosols), models of climate change, climate modification schemes (such as rainmaking), and social relationships and climate changes. Also includes a timeline through the 1970s and bibliography. From the director of the Center for History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics (AIP). http://www.aip.org/history/climate/ Topics: Environment Last updated Jun 4, 2007 Driving Up the Heat: SUVs and Global Warming
A special report about the impact of sports utility vehicles on the environment. Includes discussion about the pollution created by SUVs, the role of the United States as one of the top polluting nations, and the relationship between dependence on oil and national security. From the Sierra Club. http://www.sierraclub.org/globalwarming/SUVreport/ Topics: Automobiles, Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Jul 26, 2006 Early Signs: Reports From a Warming Planet
Collection of articles from 2006 about the effects of climate change and global warming on regions throughout the world. Topics include retreating glaciers on Tanzania's Kilimanjaro and in Ecuador, and rising saltwater along the coast of Bangladesh. A joint project of the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, Salon, and NPR's "Living on Earth." Note: for nonsubscribers, a brief advertisement appears before the articles display. Includes links to related programs from National Public Radio (NPR). http://dir.salon.com/topics/early_signs_reports_from_a_warming_planet/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated May 24, 2006 Early Spring!
This March 2005 video clip and related article describe how "plant ecologists find evidence that climate change brings earlier flower blooms" and discuss the difference between annual and perennial plants. From the American Institute of Physics (AIP). http://www.aip.org/dbis/AGU/stories/14421.html Topics: Environment, Plants Last updated Mar 19, 2008 Earth Observatory
This site provides "new satellite imagery and scientific information about our home planet. The focus is on Earth's climate and environmental change." Articles under Features are about the atmosphere, oceans, land, life on earth, heat and energy, and remote sensing. Other sections present current stories, reference materials, earth observing missions, experiments for learning about remote sensing, and a glossary. Weekly updates available. http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/ Topics: Astronomy, Environment, Pollution, Science, Weather Last updated May 7, 2002 Emissions Pathways, Climate Change, and Impacts on California
This 2004 report explores "the implications of the highest and lowest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change emissions pathways for climate change and associated impacts in California." The report includes data for mid-century and end-of-century climate projections, and discussion of heat waves and extreme heat in Los Angeles ("quadruple in frequency while heat-related mortality increases two to three times"), reduction of forests and snowpack, and related topics. From the National Academy of Sciences. http://www.pnas.org/content/101/34/12422 Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Aug 9, 2008 EPA Global Warming Site
This Environmental Protection Agency site provides extensive information on the problem of global warming. It discusses how greenhouse gas causes global warming, affects the climate and impacts many other things such as health, agriculture, and forests. The climatic change impact is presented for all 50 states. In addition, it explains preventive measures available at local, state, federal, and global levels. Slides and reports can be downloaded for presentations (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader). http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Apr 11, 2001 Fight Global Warming
Website for an Environmental Defense Fund campaign designed as a "wake-up call" about global warming, "the most serious environmental challenge of our time." Includes discussions of the dangers of global warming (such as health concerns, extreme weather, and economic impacts) and the science of global warming (such as pollution and improving energy consumption), an energy calculator, and tips for what you can do at home and on the road. http://fightglobalwarming.com/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 9, 2008 Financial Times: Climate Change Series
This news series "looks at the politics of climate change." Includes stories related to the developed world and emerging economies, opinion pieces, and interactive features on climate change agreement and mapping carbon dioxide emissions. Provides links to stories on the science aspects of global warming. From the website for the UK newspaper the Financial Times. http://www.ft.com/climatechangeseries Topics: Environment Last updated Sep 23, 2008 The First State of the Carbon Cycle Report (SOCCR): The North American Carbon Budget and Implications
Full text and executive summary of this November 2007 report that considers the amount and sources of carbon dioxide released in the air in North America and the amount of growing vegetation and soil organic matter that act as carbon sinks. Topics include the carbon cycle; energy, industry, and waste management activities; and land and water systems. Also includes a historical overview and a glossary. From the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/sap2-2/final-report/default.htm Topics: Environment Last updated Nov 21, 2007 Forces of Change
This site explores the natural and human forces that contribute to changes in our environment and how life on earth adapts to these changes. Topics include warming and erosion in the Arctic, changes in the composition of the atmosphere throughout earth's history, El Niño, current conditions (temperatures, precipitation, earthquakes and volcanoes, and vegetation), and a 2008-2010 exhibit on soil. From the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. http://forces.si.edu/ Topics: Environment Last updated Jul 28, 2008 Forever Wild?
This documentary series segment from 2002 looks at the future of wild places, reporting on prairie ecosystems, the Biosphere 2 climate research center, and a simulated rainforest in a geodesic dome. Includes educator resources and features on endangered species, bison, conservationist Peter Raven, and climate change. From the Scientific American Frontiers, hosted by Alan Alda on PBS. http://www.pbs.org/saf/1304/ Topics: Environment Last updated Jun 20, 2007 Gardener's Guide to Global Warming
Collection of materials relating to garden plants and potential global warming impacts. Click on the map to find out "if your official State Trees or State Flowers may be affected," view an interactive USDA hardiness zone map for 1990-2006, see a list of not-wanted invasive plants, and take a gardener's pledge to help fight global warming. Includes links to related material, such as a 2007 report of the same name. From the National Wildlife Federation. http://www.nwf.org/gardenersguide/ Topics: Environment, Gardening Last updated Mar 19, 2009 GLIMS: Global Land Ice Measurements From Space
This project is "designed to monitor the world's glaciers primarily using data from the ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and reflection Radiometer) instrument aboard the EOS Terra spacecraft." The site monitors the number and size of glaciers to help evaluate potential hazards and to increase our "understanding of our climate system, climate change, the formation of ice ages, and effects of global warming." The site features interactive maps, technical documentation, and related publications. Searchable. http://www.glims.org Topics: Astronomy, Environment, Geography, Geology, Pollution Last updated Nov 15, 2004 Global Climate Change
"At this Web site, you can explore scientific data relating to the atmosphere, the oceans, the areas covered by ice and snow, and the living organisms in all these domains. You'll also get a sense of how scientists study natural phenomena--how researchers gather evidence, test theories, and come to conclusions." http://www.exploratorium.edu/climate/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Dec 23, 2002 Global Warming
This website "tracks efforts by scientists, governments, and ordinary citizens to engage in global warming prevention, to find solutions, and to take action." It provides news, commentary, audio and video reports, and other material about climate change topics. From the Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/globalwarming/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 7, 2009 Global Warming Facts & Our Future
An exhibit "to help us make informed decisions and to help answer some important questions" about global warming. Topics explored include the greenhouse effect, the carbon cycle, causes of climate change (such as ocean circulation, volcanic eruptions, and human activity), historical climate change, and more. Includes activities, related links, and reading suggestions. From the Marian Koshland Science Museum of the National Academy of Sciences. http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/exhibitgcc/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Jul 11, 2006 Global Warming Kids Site
This site "focuses on the science and impacts of global warming or climate change, and on actions that help address global warming issues. It is designed as a resource for both kids and educators. The site also features games, animations, events, and links to other relevant sites for kids and educators." From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/kids/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Jan 19, 2004 Global Warming: Early Warning Signs
This site provides extensive information on the problem of global warming through the use of an interactive world map, which shows current manifestations and projected results of further warming. There is a curriculum guide for educators. http://www.climatehotmap.org/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Scientific Themes, Weather Last updated Aug 28, 2001 Global Warming: Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about global warming: is it happening, is the sea level rising, definitions of the greenhouse effect, the relationship of El Niños and global warming, and sources for more information. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Jul 28, 2005 Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS)
Research updates, publications, images, and other material from this NASA laboratory (located at Columbia University) that "emphasizes a broad study of global climate change." Some of the research topics include human-climate interaction, sea level rise, air quality, ozone depletion, solar radiation, urban heat islands, and atmospheric chemistry. http://www.giss.nasa.gov/ Topics: Environment, Weather Last updated Dec 6, 2006 Grist Magazine: Storm Front and Center
Collection of stories on environmental aspects of Hurricane Katrina. Topics include journalists' coverage of connections between climate change and the hurricane, opinions about global warming and hurricanes, planning for disasters, environmental justice concerns, the area along the Mississippi River in Louisiana (known as "Cancer Alley") that is "home to more than 140 oil refineries and chemical plants," and more. http://www.grist.org/article/katrina3/ Topics: Environment, Home & Housing, Hurricane Katrina, Pollution, Science, Weather Last updated Sep 14, 2009 Heat
Companion website to a 2008 PBS Frontline documentary about global warming that "investigates how the world's largest corporations and governments are responding to Earth's looming environmental disaster." Find the full program, interviews, analysis, lesson plans, readings and links, and "how well do you know" features on topics such as "Sources of World CO2 Emissions." From the WGBH Educational Foundation. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/heat/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 7, 2009 High Confidence in Surface Temp Reconstructions Since A.D. 1600
This June 2006 report concludes that "there is sufficient evidence from tree rings, retreating glaciers, and other 'proxies' to say with confidence that the last few decades of the 20th century were warmer than any comparable period in the last 400 years. ... There is less confidence in reconstructions of surface temperatures from 1600 back to A.D. 900." Includes an audio briefing and link to the full report. From the National Academy of Sciences. http://www.nationalacademies.org/morenews/20060622.html Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Jun 26, 2006 Hot Politics
Companion website to a 2008 PBS Frontline documentary that looks at the factors behind "the [failure of the] executive branch of the U.S. government ... to join in climate change agreements adopted by much of the rest of the world." Features investigative reports, a timeline of scientific and political developments concerning global warming, interviews, readings and links, a teacher's guide, and more. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/hotpolitics/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 14, 2008 Hurricanes Growing Fiercer With Global Warming
This July 2005 press release describes a study that concludes that "hurricanes have grown significantly more powerful and destructive over the last three decades due in part to global warming." Includes a link to the website of the MIT meteorology professor "who warns that this trend could continue." The professor's site includes a link to the article about the study and to related material. From the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2005/hurricanes.html Topics: Environment, Hurricane Katrina, Pollution, Weather Last updated Sep 2, 2005 Ice Ages
This exhibit answers basic questions about the Ice Ages, which are "intervals of time when large areas of the surface of the globe are covered with ice sheets (large continental glaciers)." Includes a video clip depicting the retreat of glaciers in North America. From the Illinois State Museum. http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/ice_ages/ Topics: Environment, Geography, Geology, Pollution, Weather Last updated Nov 18, 2003 Impact of Europe's Changing Climate
In this August 2004 report "the impacts of climate change on Europe's environment and society are shown. ... Past trends in the climate, its current state and possible future changes are presented using 22 selected indicators." Includes maps and charts. From the European Environment Agency's European Topic Centre for Air and Climate Change (ETC/ACC). http://reports.eea.europa.eu/climate_report_2_2004/en Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated May 15, 2006 An Inconvenient Truth: Take Action
This companion to the 2006 documentary about global warming, "An Inconvenient Truth," features suggestions for individuals to reduce harmful emissions at home and traveling and to advocate for changes locally, nationally, and internationally. Also includes an interactive tool to calculate your personal impact, 10 simple tips to reduce your impact, and links to related materials. Also includes links to details about the documentary. http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/ Topics: Environment Last updated Jul 31, 2006 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
This panel, established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), assesses "the scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant to understanding the scientific basis of risk of human-induced climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation." The panel's websites features reports (including the 2007 report declaring "warming of the climate system is unequivocal"), details about working groups, press releases, and related material. Some documents available in multiple languages. http://www.ipcc.ch Topics: Environment Last updated Feb 7, 2007 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Materials and ideas for celebrating International Ozone Day (September 16), which commemorates "the date, in 1987, on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed." Highlights include an audio clip of the song "What's the Ozone Layer," sun protection education materials, and a gallery of children's paintings on ozone layer protection. From the OzonAction Programme of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). http://www.uneptie.org/ozonaction/events/ozoneday/ Topics: Pollution Last updated Aug 17, 2004 The Keeling Curve Turns 50
Background about the "Keeling Curve," a monthly record of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels that began in March 1958 at an observatory in Hawaii. "The Keeling Curve provided the first clear evidence that carbon dioxide was accumulating in the atmosphere as the result of humanity's use of fossil fuels." Features a slideshow about Charles Keeling and the curve, and links to information about climate change. From the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. http://sio.ucsd.edu/special/Keeling_50th_Anniversary/ Topics: Environment Last updated Oct 6, 2009 Kyoto Protocol
"Over a decade ago, most countries [including the U.S.] joined an international treaty -- the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) -- to begin to consider what can be done to reduce global warming. ... Recently, a number of nations have approved an addition to the treaty: the Kyoto Protocol." This site provides the text of the protocol (in several languages), a ratification status, information about compliance, and related material. From the United Nations. http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php Topics: Environment, Government Last updated Nov 14, 2006 Live Earth
Companion website to a series of international concerts in July 2007 that "mark[ed] the beginning of a multi-year campaign led by the Alliance for Climate Protection. ... to take action to solve global warming. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore is the Chair of the Alliance and Partner of Live Earth." The site features tips and news about combating global warming. http://www.liveearth.org Topics: Environment Last updated Jul 16, 2007 Low Carbon Diet Calculator
This site shows how your diet could be contributing to global warming. "Did you know, the food system is responsible for 1/3 of global greenhouse emissions? .... [This Calculator] is designed to allow you to compare the relative carbon impacts of your food choices." Select from menu items or sample foods to determine the carbon emissions created by your meals. From Bon Appétit Management Company Foundation. http://www.eatlowcarbon.org Topics: Environment Last updated May 12, 2008 Mammoth Mystery
This 2006 article considers whether "climate change wipe[d] out North America's giant mammals, or did our Stone Age ancestors hunt them to extinction?" The article notes that while "conventional wisdom once held that rising temperatures at the end of the Ice Age caused the mass extinction," a "paleoecologist at Fordham University, is finding evidence that the first humans in North America killed off an array of spectacular mammals." From the Natural Resources Defense Council. http://www.nrdc.org/onearth/06win/mammoth1.asp Topics: Environment, Mammals Last updated Mar 18, 2008 Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO)
MLO in Hawaii "is a premier atmospheric research facility that has been continuously monitoring and collecting data related to atmospheric change since the 1950's." Features live cameras, data (carbon cycle, weather, and more), a history of the observatory, and a link to material about the 50th anniversary in November 2007 of MLO and of carbon dioxide measurement (as begun by Charles David Keeling in 1958). From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). http://www.mlo.noaa.gov/ Topics: Environment, Weather Last updated Dec 6, 2007 MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change
The Web site for a Massachusetts Institute of Technology organization "that conducts research, independent policy analysis, and public communication on issues of global environmental change." Includes numerous publications on topics such as climate change and greenhouses gases, a description of the Integrated Global System Model (IGSM) that simulates global environmental changes, and information about projects such as the "greenhouse gamble" roulette wheel depicting the uncertainty of climate change predictions. Searchable. http://web.mit.edu/globalchange/ Topics: Education, Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Aug 25, 2004 New Legislation Will Enable Consumers to Compare Vehicle Emissions
Brief 2007 announcement about New York "legislation designed to increase consumer awareness about greenhouse gas emissions. This law requires that automobile manufacturers affix a 'global warming index' sticker to new cars and passenger trucks beginning in the 2010 model year, detailing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions." The announcement notes that New York "will model its labeling standards based on those set by California." From the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. http://www.dec.ny.gov/environmentdec/36833.html Topics: Automobiles, Environment Last updated Sep 17, 2008 Ozone Hole Tour
The history, discovery, and science of the ozone hole are explained in this site with words and images. Also included are current areas of research relating to ozone. From the University of Cambridge, Centre for Atmospheric Science. http://www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/tour/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Jan 31, 2005 Personal Emissions Calculator
"Use this online calculator to obtain an estimate of your personal greenhouse gas emissions or your family's greenhouse gas emissions. Then move on to the next section of the calculator to explore actions you and/or your family can take to lower your emissions while reducing your energy and waste disposal costs." Areas covered include transportation, home energy use, and waste and recycling. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 16, 2007 Pew Center on Global Climate Change
Features a collection of reports on the effects of climate change on the Earth, including topics such as "Comparison of Passenger Vehicle Fuel Economy and Greenhouse Gas Standards" and "The Day After Tomorrow: Could It Really Happen?" Also includes background information on global warming and updates on actions taken by governments and the business community. Some information available in French, German, and Spanish. Searchable. http://www.pewclimate.org Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Mar 28, 2005 Proposed Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases Under the Clean Air Act
Documents concerning an April 2009 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal with findings that "the current and projected concentrations of the mix of six key greenhouse gases ... threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations" and that motor vehicle emissions "contribute to the atmospheric concentrations of these key greenhouse gases and hence to the threat of climate change." Contains the full proposal, background, and commenting and hearing details. From the EPA. http://epa.gov/climatechange/endangerment.html Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 20, 2009 Report Warns About Carbon Dioxide Threats to Marine Life
The June 2006 report "Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Coral Reefs and Other Marine Calcifiers" discusses how climate change and increased carbon dioxide in the sea may affect the health of ocean life. This detailed report includes an executive summary, graphs, and photos. From the National Center for Atmospheric Research and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) Office of Programs. http://www.ucar.edu/news/releases/2006/report.shtml Topics: Environment, Water Last updated Apr 4, 2007 The Rocky Mountain Climate Organization
Website for this Colorado environmental group that is "spreading the word about what climate disruption can do." Its site features introductions to climate change and its impact with respect to heat, snow, water, drought, economics, wildfire, and biodiversity; a March 2008 Report "Hotter and Drier: The West's Changed Climate" documenting "how the West's climate is already changing"; news; and links to material about advocacy. http://www.rockymountainclimate.org/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 9, 2008 Shrinking the Carbon Footprint of Metropolitan America
This May 2008 report "quantifies transportation and residential carbon emissions for the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, finding that metro area residents have smaller carbon footprints than the average American, although metro footprints vary widely." Includes profiles of the 100 metropolitan areas, a policy brief, and the full report, which also discusses the role of federal policy. Part of the Blueprint for American Prosperity initiative from the Brookings Institution. http://www.brookings.edu/reports/2008/05_carbon_footprint_sarzynski.aspx Topics: Environment Last updated Nov 1, 2009 Spectacular "Night-shining" Clouds Could Be a Harbinger of Climate Change
This 2007 article describes how "an international research team is to study spectacular 'night-shining' clouds, thought by some to a harbinger of global environmental change. ... First spotted in Earth's atmosphere in 1885, the clouds have been increasing in frequency in recent decades and may be related to increases in carbon dioxide and methane emissions." Includes an image of these noctilucent or Polar Mesospheric Clouds. From ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070410131926.htm Topics: Environment Last updated Sep 8, 2008 Taking Action on Climate Change
Documents about the case of "Massachusetts, et al., v. EPA, a coalition of 12 states, along with three major cities, American Samoa, and many environmental groups, [who] challenged the federal Environmental Protection Agency's refusal to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. ... On April 2, 2007, the Court ruled in favor of Massachusetts and the other petitioners in this landmark case." From the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office. http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=cagoterminal&L=2&L0=Home&L1=Environmental+Protection&sid=Cago&b=terminalcontent&f=environment_climate_change&csid=Cago Topics: Environment, Weather Last updated Nov 24, 2007 U.S. Climate Change Science Program Releases "Our Changing Planet": The U.S. Climate Change Science Program for Fiscal Years 2004 and 2005
This site features a link to the text of the report released in August 2004 "by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) [that] highlights recent research accomplishments and plans for future research necessary to manage the risks and opportunities of changes in climate and related environmental systems." Topics addressed include human responsibility for the recent spike in global warming. Also provides links to related legislation and reports. http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/pressreleases/pressrelease25aug2004.htm Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Sep 1, 2004 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
The United Nations maintains this website "to support arrangements for meetings organized under the [Climate Change] Convention, [and] to transmit official documents and reports. ... It also serves the Kyoto Protocol." Features background about climate change science and what can be done, discussion of methodologies and tools to evaluate global warming impacts, reports and data (such as greenhouse gas emissions data), and related material. http://unfccc.int/2860.php Topics: Environment Last updated Jul 3, 2008 US Global Change Research Information Office
The site "provides access to data and information on climate change research, adaptation/mitigation strategies and technologies, and global change related educational resources on behalf of ... the US Climate Change Science Program." Includes publications, a large directory of links, and an "Ask Doctor Global Change" reference feature. Browsable and searchable. From the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) at Columbia University. http://www.gcrio.org/ Topics: Environment, Pollution, Weather Last updated Sep 10, 2003 USGS Office of Global Change
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) office "strives to understand how the earth works and to anticipate changes in how the earth functions," and conducts research that "aims to understand the interrelationships among earth surface processes, ecological systems, and human activities." Find publications (including climate change fact sheets), news, FAQs, podcasts, and links to USGS project pages for research areas such as sea-level change, permafrost, carbon sequestration, health risk, and drought. From the USGS. http://www.usgs.gov/global_change/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 7, 2009 Voluntary Carbon Offset Information Portal
Information about buying carbon offsets to neutralize carbon dioxide emissions created by individual air travel. Features a consumer handout on "flying green," report on voluntary offsets for air travel carbon emissions, a paper with an overview of international climate change policies and the current carbon market, description of offset project types, list of carbon offset companies, a glossary, and more. A joint project of Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and Tufts Climate Initiative (TCI). http://www.co2offsetresearch.org/ Topics: Environment Last updated Sep 22, 2009 Warnings From the Ice
This site is a companion to a 1998 Public Broadcasting (PBS) NOVA program about the possibility of global warming due to the gradual disappearance "over the last half-century [of] the coastal ice on the Antarctic Peninsula." The site features an ice-core timeline, an overview of the Antarctic environment and wildlife, and images of what the coasts might look like if the ice sheets melted. Also includes links to resources and a teacher's guide. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/warnings/ Topics: Country Studies by Continent, Environment, Maps by Place, Pollution, Regions of the World, Scientific Themes, Weather Last updated Oct 14, 2004 Western Climate Initiative
Website for "a collaboration launched in February 2007 between the Governors of Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington to meet regional challenges raised by climate change." Includes the statement released in August 2007 announcing a "regional greenhouse gas emission reduction goal ... an aggregate reduction of 15% below 2005 levels by 2020." Provides press releases, documents, reports, and links to state websites. http://www.westernclimateinitiative.org/ Topics: Environment, Weather Last updated Aug 29, 2007 What Has Been Happening to Polar Bears in Recent Decades?
This essay provides an overview of research related to the ecology of polar bears, including population size, movements, changes that alter the period of ice coverage, the effects of human development and climate change, and more. Includes links to other resources on polar bears, climate change, and pollutants. From the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Arctic Research Office. http://www.arctic.noaa.gov/essay_schliebe.html Topics: Environment, Mammals, Regions of the World Last updated Jan 2, 2007 What's Up With the Weather?
This site examines "the science and politics of one of the most controversial issues of the 21st century: the truth about global warming." Topics include fossil fuel consumption, the role ice cores play in interpreting the history of the global environment, and predictions for "what would happen to the world's coastlines if the West Antarctic Ice Sheet melted." Includes a teacher's guide and a FAQ. From Nova and Frontline, programs produced by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/warming/ Topics: Environment, Oil & Gas, Pollution, Weather Last updated Jul 25, 2005 World Bank Group: Climate Change
The World Bank Climate Change Team "provides resources and expertise for the World Bank's participation in international climate change negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and provides technical advice to the World Bank's Global Environment Facility (GEF) Program." This site includes a database of descriptions of the group's projects, publications, and press releases. http://beta.worldbank.org/climatechange/ Topics: Environment, International Governments, Pollution, Weather Last updated Sep 14, 2009 |
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