CEO4b Climate Guide
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December 2010
Contributions in Education and Outreach
No. 4b
Climate Change Handbook:
A Citizen’s Guide to
Thoughtful Action
Forest Research Laboratory
College of Forestry
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
The Authors
Mark Apel is the Community Resource Development Area Associate Agent at the University of
Arizona Cooperative Extension. Lauren McDonell is the Canary Initiative Project Coordinator for
the City of Aspen, Colorado. Jay Moynihan is the Extension Community Development Educator in
Shawano County for the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. Darien Simon is a Lecturer
in Sustainability at Regent’s Business School, Regent’s College (London). Viviane Simon-Brown is an
Extension Sustainable Living Specialist in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University.
Acknowledgments
e Project Team: Jay Moynihan, team leader; Viviane Simon-Brown, project coordinator; Mark
Apel, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Allison Morrill Chatrchyan, Cornell University
Cooperative Extension; Mike Crimmins, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Greg Crosby,
USDA NIFA program leader for sustainable development; Catherine Elliott, University of Maine
Cooperative Extension; Lauren McDonell, City of Aspen, Colorado; Nathan Myer, University of
Minnesota Extension; Patt Opdyke, Oregon State University Extension (retired); William Sheall,
University of Florida/IFAS Extension; Darien Simon, Regent’s College, London; Luis Tupas, USDA
NIFA program leader for climate change.
e University of Oregon Climate Leadership Initiative oered climate science basics. e Sopris
Foundation allowed the use of their carbon counter. Sustainable Communities Online supplied the
ink Smart, Act Cool graph. Kirk Anderson gave permission for use of his cartoon.
External reviewers included Greg Crosby, National Program Leader for Sustainable Development
at USDA NIFA; Catherine Elliott, Sustainable Living & Wildlife Specialist at University of Maine
Cooperative Extension; and Diana Rashash, Extension Area Specialized Agent in Natural Resources
and Environmental Education at North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
e Forestry Communications Group at Oregon State University provided original illustrations,
editing, and design layout expertise: Sandra Arbogast, Diego Bañuelos, Bryan Bernart, and Caryn
Davis. CORE Communications handled the rst edition printing using soy-based ink and 55 percent
recycled content paper from an FSC source.
December 2010
Contributions in Education and Outreach
No. 4b
Climate Change Handbook:
A Citizen’s Guide to Thoughtful Action
Mark Apel
Lauren McDonell
Jay Moynihan
Darien Simon
Viviane Simon-Brown
College of Forestry
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
is guide is a National Network for Sustainable Living Education project. NNSLE improves
quality of life and reduces environmental degradation by fostering new consumption patterns and
sustainable lifestyles through Cooperative Extension Service programs at land-grant institutions.
Abstract
Apel, Mark, Lauren McDonell, Jay Moynihan, Darien Simon, and Viviane
Simon-Brown. December 2010. Climate Change Handbook: A Citizen’s Guide
to oughtful Action. Contributions in Education and Outreach 4b, Forest
Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis.
Climate change is real. Average American households are a signicant source
of GHG emissions, as well as the ultimate end-users of most energy production.
erefore citizens have the potential to make a dierence now and for future
generations. is handbook provides climate science basics, including the
historical changes in GHG releases, the roles that lifestyle and population play
in the climate scenario, the signicance of carbon footprints, and an overview of
the current climate situation. A detailed carbon counter is attached to the guide.
e guide then illustrates the dierence between adaptation (taking steps to
live with the changes) and mitigation (taking steps to slow the rate of change.)
Adaptation examples include food, water, shelter, transportation, recreation,
and careers. Mitigation focuses on eectively engaging with local government,
through serving on advisory boards, communicating with public ocials, and
leading community climate change actions. One useful way to mitigate climate
change is through citizen science eorts. Citizen scientists help professional
scientists better understand the impact of the rate of change on plants and
animals, which is crucial for preserving species; and for assessing potential
insect and disease outbreaks in agriculture, natural resources and public health.
Taking personal action is a key element of this handbook. Citizens are
challenged to consume 20% fewer resources, to bring American consumption
levels down to Western European levels. Readers are given 10 practical steps
to take to make the changes, including a Jumpstart list to complete in a single
weekend. e Resources section provides additional information, and readers
are encouraged to contact the authors for further questions.
Keywords: climate change, adaptation, mitigation, citizen science, carbon
counter, local government climate action, lifestyle changes
Contents
Overview: What is Guide Is All About ...................................................1
1. Basics of Climate Science ..........................................................................1
1.1 Greenhouse gases ..............................................................................1
1.2 Historical change ...............................................................................2
1.3 Population and lifestyle ....................................................................2
1.4 Current situation ...............................................................................3
1.5 Regional projections .........................................................................3
1.6 What will these changes mean for you and your family? ............4
2. What Is My Carbon Footprint? ................................................................5
2.1 Making a dierence by thinking smart and acting cool ..............6
3. Adaptation and Mitigation .......................................................................7
3.1 Adaptation..........................................................................................7
3.2 Mitigation ...........................................................................................8
4. How to Engage with Your Local Government .......................................9
4.1 Serve on citizen advisory boards ....................................................9
4.2 Find out when, where, and how oen your local
government meets ..........................................................................10
4.3 Communicate with local ocials ..................................................10
4.4 Local government climate action ..................................................11
5. Citizen Science, Phenology, and Climate Change ...............................13
5.1 History ..............................................................................................13
5.2 What is citizen science ...................................................................13
6. Taking Action
6.1 Extreme lifestyle change—the 20% challenge .............................16
6.2 Practical steps for starting the 20% challenge .............................16
7. Resources ..................................................................................................20
1
1 Basics of Climate Science
1.1 Greenhouse gases
Our earth is habitable thanks in part to gases in the atmosphere that trap
a portion of the sun’s energy. ese “greenhouse gases” or GHG absorb
heat—like the windshield that traps and retains heat inside a car or
truck. GHG include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane
(CH4), and others.
Without greenhouse gases, our planet would be too cold to inhabit. But
too much GHG in our atmosphere can destabilize our climate—bringing
potentially severe consequences.
The Greenhouse Eect
Solar radiation powers
the climate system.
Some solar radiation
is reected by
the Earth and the
atmosphere.
E
a
r
t
h
Some of the Earth’s infrared
radiation passes through the
atmosphere, but most is absorbed
and re-emitted in all directions
by GHG molecules and clouds. The
eect of this is to warm the Earth’s
surface and the lower atmosphere.
About half the solar radiation
is absorbed by the Earth’s surface
and warms it.
Infrared radiation is
emitted from the Earth’s
surface.
a
t
m
o
s
p
h
E
r
E
This guide is meant to inspire you, as a citizen of Planet Earth, to take
action to oset the impacts we are already experiencing. Together we
can make a dierence now and for our children and grandchildren.
Greenhouse
gases (GHG)
in the at-
mosphere
absorb and
radiate heat
back into our
atmosphere.
2
1.2 Historical change
Since 1750 and the beginning of the industrial revolution, humans have been
adding increasing amounts of GHG to the air through the burning of fossil
fuels, deforestation, agriculture (raising animals and using certain fertilizers),
natural gas distribution, and landlls. By examining ice cores, scientists have
discovered that concentrations of 3 of these GHG in our atmosphere are now
much greater than they have been in thousands of years. Carbon dioxide (CO2),
nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) have increased by approximately 36%,
18%, and 148%, respectively.
e atmospheric concentration of CO2, the most important greenhouse gas
released by human activity, now by far exceeds the natural range over the last
650,000 years. e natural range is 180–300 parts per million (ppm). By 2010,
CO2 levels reached 388 ppm.
1.3 Population and lifestyle
Part of this CO2 increase is due to population growth. In 1750, 700 million
people lived in the world. Now, our population is 6.9 billion, almost 1000%
more. And part of the increase is due to the greater use of resources to build and
maintain our technologically centered lifestyle.
People in developed countries use more resources than people in developing
countries do. Americans use the most: for example, we use 3 times the amount
of energy as the average German and 14 times as much as the average Chinese.
ese combined increases don’t add together like 2+2=4. Instead, they multiply,
leading to exponential changes.
10
8
6
4
3
2
1
0
1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000 2050
Billions
World population development
Developing countries Industrialized countries
3
1.4 Current situation
We are already seeing some results of warming—such as regional ooding, drought,
extreme temperatures, escalating wildres, and more violent storms. On a larger
scale, polar ice caps and glaciers are melting at alarming rates. Extinction rates have
increased to 50,000 – 55,000 plant and animal species each year, according to a
United Nations Environment Programme report.
1.5 Regional projections
Climate change is not just about the “warming.” It also means increased variability
in weather—some places may get more or less of the type of weather they are used
to. Projections dier by region. In the upper Midwest, the weather aer 2050 is
projected to be like Louisiana now (minus the hurricanes). Dry climates, like in the
Southwest, will probably get a lot drier as time passes. Northern areas will become
wetter with increased precipitation. e destructive intensity of hurricanes is likely
to increase.
4
1.6 What will these changes mean for you
and your family?
All of us must learn how to adapt to climate changes and to minimize our
impacts on our planet right now. e choices we make today aect our children
and our children’s children. For this reason, we are compelled to take action or
put the prosperity and safety of future generations at risk.
Is Climate Change Real?
Where’s the Proof?
Science does not employ the concept
of “proof.” Proof is a mathematical term.
Science uses a “balance of evidence”
approach to determine the likelihood of
an event.
Fully 97% of the climate scientists who
regularly publish on climate change agree
with the statement, “human activity is a
signicant contributing factor in changing
mean global temperatures” (EOS, January
2009). Perhaps the most important
outcomes of the 2007 Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report
4 are the declarations that the evidence
is now “unequivocal” that the Earth’s
atmosphere and oceans are warming, and
that it is “very likely” (greater than 90%
likelihood) that most of the increase in
global-average temperatures since 1950 can
be attributed to human-caused emissions of
heat-trapping gases.
?
5
Everything we do—or buy—has a carbon footprint. A carbon footprint measures the
amount of carbon dioxide produced during an activity or through the creation of a product.
e footprint is usually described in terms of “equivalent tons” of CO2—meaning the
number of tons of CO2 or other GHG that are generated by an activity over a particular
time. Each of the main greenhouse gases has a dierent climate-change impact level. Each
GHG also lasts for a dierent amount of time in the atmosphere. To make the footprint
calculation as simple as possible, each gas amount is converted into its CO2 equivalent, both
in terms of amount and duration in the atmosphere.
Calculating our individual CO2 footprint means looking at our direct and indirect
contributions. Direct and indirect refer to the level of control we have over the contribution
to our footprint.
As individuals, our direct contributions of CO2 come from
• heating or cooling our homes and workplaces
• travel for work, errands, and vacations
• power for lighting, heating, cooling, appliances, tools, and electronics
Our indirect contributions may include CO2 emitted
• during the manufacture, production, or transportation of major purchases, like
¤ housing and automobiles
¤ smaller consumer goods such as food, drink, clothing, and personal items
• through recreation and leisure activities that require travel, equipment purchases,
or large facilities, such as:
¤ camp gear, skis and boots, boats and ATVs
¤ movie theaters or gym memberships
• by nancial, personal, and public services, such as banks, hairdressers, and
schools
We have less choice about electricity usage because most of us don’t control the
type of fuel burned to provide the power. Some electricity providers do oer fuel option
programs (“green energy”); check with your local utility company.
We also have only indirect control over the impacts from our product choices. But there are
still ways to reduce our indirect contributions of CO2. We can
• reduce our overall consumption by asking ourselves if we really need a product before
we buy it
• buy local products to reduce transportation impacts
• learn to make things for ourselves—it can be fun! Grow veggies. Can or preserve
produce.
e most important thing to remember about carbon footprints is that they should be as
small as possible. According to the World Resources Institute, the maximum sustainable
living footprint per person per year worldwide is less than 2000 kg CO2 (2 tons). In 2002, the
American footprint per person was 20 tons of CO2.
at’s fully TEN TIMES sustainable levels!
6
2.1 Make a dierence by
Thinking Smart and Acting Cool
Action CO2
reduction
(lb/yr )
Use a push mower instead of a power mower 80
Clean or replace air-conditioning lters as advised 175
Run your dishwasher only when it’s full and use the
energy-saving setting 200
Buy products packaged in reusable or recyclable containers 230
Install low-ow shower heads in order to use less hot water 300
Replace your current washing machine with a low-energy,
low-water-use machine 440
Keep your water-heater thermostat no higher than 120° F 500
Don’t overheat or overcool rooms. Turn thermostat up when it’s hot and
down when it’s cold 500
Replace standard light bulbs with energy-ecient uorescent bulbs 500
Wash laundry in warm or cold water, not hot 500
Install a solar thermal system to provide hot water 720
Recycle all of your home’s waste newsprint, cardboard, glass, and metal 850
If your water heater is more than 5 years old, wrap it in an insulating
jacket 1,000
Caulk and add weatherstripping around doors and windows to plug leaks 1,000
Reduce your garbage by 25% 1,000
Leave your car at home two days a week (walk, bike, take public transit or
carpool) 1,590
Insulate walls and ceilings 2,000
Get rid of old, energy-inecient appliances and replace with newer
energy-ecient models 3,000
Plant trees around your home; paint the roof a light color in a hot climate,
and a dark color in a cold climate 5,000
Replace the car you use most often with a fuel-ecient car (rated at 32
mpg or more) 5,600
When replacing windows, install energy-saving models 10,000
Use the Sopris Carbon Counter to determine
your baseline carbon footprint.
7
Responses to global climate change usually fall into two broad categories:
adaptation and mitigation. Adaptation is taking steps to live with the changes that
are underway. Mitigation is taking steps, most oen at the government level, to
slow the rate of change.
Adaptation is Local
Learn the basic science and
examine your life and community.
What changes do
WE need to make?
What changes
are coming?
3 Adaptation and Mitigation
3.1 Adaptation
Adaptation is necessary because mitigation (slowing global climate change)
is rather like slowing a really big ship—it’s going to take awhile! CO2 hangs
around in the air for about 100 years—that means the warming we are
experiencing now is not even from our own CO2 emissions, but from CO2
emitted in our grandparents’ time. And the CO2 we are putting into the air now
will greatly aect our children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Other greenhouse
gases last longer, so their eects will endure for several generations.
As you learn about basic climate science and the projected changes for where
you live, think about how these changes could aect you, your children,
grandchildren, and great grandchildren. All humans require food, water, and
shelter to survive. Here are some points to ponder.
Food, water, shelter
Where does your drinking water come from? Is it from glacier or snowpack
runo? eir mass is decreasing. Consider locating alternative sources of water
that don’t rely on mountain runo. In extreme instances, you may want to think
about moving to an area where obtaining water isn’t such a challenge.
Water and temperature play big roles in food production. How available will
reasonably priced, locally produced food be in your area? Growing seasons and
plant zones are changing, meaning that growing conditions for particular plants
may become better or worse. Keep as many food options open as you can by
staying aware of water availability and climate patterns in your area.
8
Make sure your dwelling conserves heat in winter or coolness in summer. In
the short term, the cost of energy will rise as new fuels and power sources go
commercial. e biggest savings is always in conserving energy in the rst place.
Transportation and
recreation
Transitioning to new energy
sources will probably increase the
cost of transportation. erefore,
it is in your interest to reduce the
distance you have to travel for
work, school, and shopping, or
nd alternative ways to accomplish
those tasks. If your health permits,
walking and cycling may benet
your personal well-being as well as
reducing your carbon footprint.
Rapid climate change may also
aect your recreation choices. For
example, if you live in an area that
is expected to get less snow in the
future, will you still be able to
ski and snowmobile? What other
activities might you consider?
What are their carbon footprints
likely to be?
Future careers
Science and math skills will be more important than ever for future jobs.
Both adaptation and mitigation will create whole new product and service
areas, and enhance existing ones. Some jobs will benet from rapid climate
change. But some will become obsolete.
Since around 2000, some countries have been making massive investments of
public funds into “green” technology and manufacturing. Unfortunately the
United States is not one of them. For example, China now produces about half
of all photovoltaic cells and solar panels in the world market; they likely will
soon dominate production in that industry. So when looking at employment
now and in the future, keep an eye on where jobs may be available, or start
your own entrepreneurial business using green technology and green skills.
3.2 Mitigation
As mentioned before, adaptation involves living with rapid change. Mitigation
is about slowing the rate of change. is is primarily an arena for government
and corporations, but you also can make a dierence by engaging with your
local government. ere are some ideas for mitigation at the personal level in
the Take Action section later in this guide.
Petit Café & Fillup
F
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a
n
ç
o
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“Cool” Winners: Companies and Sectors
• Nuclear power
• Renewable energy
• Bio-fuels
• Green builders
• New technology
vehicles
• Agriculture
(depending where)
• ATVs (assuming
they develop new
power schemes)
• Battery and energy
storage companies
• Biotechnology
• Genetics
• Biomemetics
• Nanotechnology
• Information
industry
• Eco-industrial
manufacture
• Bio-plastics
• Pyrolisis reactors
• “Local” supply (for
retail)
• “Organic”
• Services, such as
life-cycle analysis
and other
“sustainability”
disciplines
4 How to Engage with Your Local
Government
Getting involved with local government may seem daunting
at rst. It can even feel as though there’s an invisible wall
between us and our elected or public ocials. But in the
United States, our state and federal constitutions require
transparency and access to our government.
Climate change should be taken seriously by all—citizens
and public ocials alike. How can we, as citizens, petition,
inuence, and support our local government in taking action?
What avenues are available that will help us sway elected and
public ocials, especially between election cycles?
4.1 Serve on a citizen advisory board
Communities typically have citizen commissions or committees appointed by
elected ocials to oversee specic issues, such as planning and zoning, utility
rates, environmental concerns, or architectural design. Generally, these groups
serve in an advisory capacity. ey make recommendations to the governing body,
which then makes the nal decisions.
Planning now for
future changes will
save tax money in
the long run.
10
4.2 Find out when, where, and how often your local
government meets
Why is this important? Because meetings present opportunities for ordinary citizens
to share their opinions or ideas. Local governments generally must follow open
meeting or “sunshine” laws. is concept means that citizens have access to
• public notices of meetings
• posted agendas
• minutes of meetings
• accommodations for those with disabilities
• opportunities to speak before the governing body
is type of information is publicized in various ways, such as online, in the
newspaper, or on television.
4.3 Communicate with local ocials
You can engage with elected ocials and municipal sta on an individual level or in a
public forum.
Meeting one-on-one, emailing, or calling to provide ideas is a
great place to start. By picking one or several easy ideas for your
local government to implement, you can help build momentum
for change. For example, you may convince your local ocials to
require energy-ecient compact uorescent (CFL) or light-emitting
diode (LED) lightbulbs in government buildings to save money and
reduce carbon footprints. is can begin to set bigger ideas in motion.
Sometimes, a personal chat with the mayor, city manager, or public
works director is all it takes to make a dierence.
Other times, using a public forum to air an idea—and where the media
are present—may be more eective. e opportunity to speak before
a board, commission, or committee during a public meeting usually
comes in two forms: either a call to the public or a public hearing.
Call to the public
is is when a member of the public may speak on any topic that is not on the
agenda for that particular meeting. It’s generally inappropriate (and sometimes
illegal) for a member of the body to respond during the call to the public. However,
moderators will take note of topics for follow-up at future meetings.
Public hearing
is is when the public may provide input on agenda topics. Such input is required
by state law or local ordinance. Planning and zoning issues or ordinance changes
commonly require public hearings because the decisions made by the governing
body will likely directly aect all or part of the community.
In a public hearing, you may comment as an individual or on behalf of a like-
minded group. You also can petition to demonstrate group support for a particular
grievance or present a new idea at this time.
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4.4 Local government climate action
e Mayors Climate Protection Agreement asks communities to implement
reduction goals greater than those specied in the Kyoto Protocol, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by at least 7% below 1990 levels by 2012, and support
federal emission reduction legislation.
Cities and communities across the country are already rising to the challenge with
innovative, ambitious, and far-reaching initiatives and eorts. Become familiar with
what is already being done so that you can suggest positive, well-reasoned policy
changes to your public ocials. Help your community join in!
You can start by focusing on areas where governing bodies directly aect policy,
regulations, land use, taxation, and public works, or have public outreach programs.
ese areas may include land use and mobility, consumption and solid waste, urban
forestry, and food and agriculture.
Strategies for sharing ideas
Here are some suggestions for how to present your ideas in a public meeting or
hearing:
• inquire ahead of time if you plan to share photos, slides, or other media
• think carefully about and write down what you plan to say
• make your comments clear and concise, and stay within the time allotted
• avoid being overly critical or berating past actions
• focus on current situations and possible solutions
• don’t repeat what others have already said
When you share your thoughts about climate change in public meetings and forums,
you demonstrate to decision-makers that the issue is important to their constituents.
Here is where citizens can suggest policy changes for a more stringent review of land-
use decisions or procurement practices as they relate to CO2 emissions.
12
Local governments can also
• create education and green certication programs for residents, businesses,
homes, schools, or special events
• invest in ecient technology and renewable energy for municipal utilities
• encourage policies that address climate change at state and federal levels
• network with other communities through organizations like Local
Governments for Sustainability (www.iclei.org)
Where a local government is not yet addressing climate change, citizens can
serve as the catalyst for action. You don’t have to be a scientist or expert to have
valuable ideas and voice your concerns about climate change.
Remember: a government cannot represent people
it does not hear. Speak up and share your thoughts!
Leading the Action around the USA
• Aspen, Colorado was the rst city nationwide to
create the Canary Tags program, a carbon oset or
carbon reduction investment program. Canary Tags
represent investments in local energy conservation
and renewable energy projects and can be purchased
by visitors, residents, businesses, and events.
www.aspenzgreen.com/osets
• Multnomah County and the City of Portland, Oregon
have jointly committed to reducing their carbon
emissions by 40% by 2030.
www.portlandonline.com/portlandplan/
• New York City has conducted greenhouse gas
inventories, identied the sources and concentrations
of emissions, and created baselines against which to
measure future inventories.
www.nyc.gov/html/plannyc2030/html/emissions/
emissions.shtml
• The City of Chicago has created climate action plans
to guide local policy, research, education, and other
eorts to achieve emission reductions goals.
www.chicagoclimateaction.org
13
5 Citizen Science, Phenology,
and Climate Change
To be eective, adaptation and mitigation actions must be science-based. However,
the climate is changing so rapidly that professional scientists cannot gather the on-
the-ground data fast enough to use in climate projections. But citizen scientists can.
Benjamin Franklin was one. So was omas Jeerson. Now you can be one too.
5.1 History
e practice of citizen science is experiencing a revival in the United States.
Back in the 19th century, many counties and K-12 schools had “natural history”
societies wherein ordinary folks got outside and studied the natural world, i.e.,
“did science.”
ese clubs and societies still exist in Great Britain. ere, club members are
already rolling up their sleeves to help scientists study the current impact of
climate change. ey contribute observations about the natural world (birds,
butteries, and lots more) that are used by scientists, policy makers and others.
Networks are now forming to do the same in the United States.
5.2 What is “citizen science”?
It’s scientic work conducted by individual
volunteers or networks of volunteers. You
don’t need to have any specic scientic
training to help. When you join a network
or group, you’ll receive some brief training
so everybody uses the same method of
gathering information. For citizen science
networks and opportunities, see the
Resources section of this guide.
As a citizen scientist, you perform or manage
research-related tasks such as observation,
measurement, or computation. Your data and
observations are turned over to trained scientists for use
C
I
T
I
Z
E
N
Scientist
14
in their research. By using citizen-science networks,
research can be done much faster. is is a vital
advantage in a period of rapid climate change.
Phenology is one area where citizen scientists can be
extremely helpful. Phenology is the study of plant and
animal life-cycle events and how these are inuenced by
variation in the seasons and climate. Although scientists have
computer models, satellites, and other complex instruments to use,
they also need detailed, ground-level data. Most important are data on how fast
the change is occurring and its impact on the life cycles of plants and animals at
the local level—everywhere.
Another area is volunteer weather monitoring. You can get the tools you
need at the hardware store. Scientists need data on weather changes over
time where you live.
What dierence could I make?
You, the citizen, working cooperatively with your neighbors, can help research
scientists. Getting the data is important. But it’s also a good, healthy opportunity
for personal exercise and learning. Schools, clubs, church groups, hunting and
shing clubs and many other groups can get involved. e whole family can do it
together, while spending time outside.
What we are trying to nd out
“Climate change” alone is not the problem. e problem is the rate—the speed of
the current change. We need to know the weather conditions on the same date
at the same place from year to year. Finding out the impact of the rate of change
on plants and animals is crucial for preserving species. It’s also crucial to assess
potential threats such as insect and disease outbreaks in agriculture, natural
resources and public health.
Audubon Counts
Every year citizens across the country collect information
about the birds in their areas. This is vital data for
gauging changes in populations and ranges.
15
Climate change and change on the living land
All living things tend to “migrate” over space, through time. Citizen scientists may
observe what plant and animal species are doing to handle rapid climate change.
For example,
• some species will attempt to migrate in latitude
• some species will attempt to migrate in altitude
• some species will attempt to migrate in depth
• some parasites, hyper-parasites, and pathogens will either expand or contract
their ranges
• some parasites, hyper-parasites, and pathogens will lose their hosts; conditions
may favor adapting to new hosts
e general longer-term eects of a
warming climate are:
• species typically found at lower
elevations will be found higher
• species found closer to the equator
will be closer to the pole
• species that cannot “move” fast
enough will become extinct
Climate change and water
Rapid climate change will aect fresh
water, a substance crucial to the survival
of all living things. How our water
changes will vary widely, depending on
location. Citizen scientists may observe
• some water bodies will change pH
• some water bodies will become warmer
• less water will be available from seasonal melt of snow and glaciers
• some areas will be dryer
• some areas will be wetter
• some areas will experience more variability
¤ shorter and more intense precipitation
¤ swings in weather conditions over shorter periods
¤ more icing vs. snow
• lower water levels
• ow changes
• degradation in quality of a water body
• a slowing of groundwater recharge rate
16
6 Take Action
Climate change is a HUGE problem. It requires
BIG solutions. Taking small steps to reduce your
carbon footprint is a good start. Getting involved
in local government is benecial. Becoming
a citizen scientist is useful. But to really make
a dierence, even BIGGER life changes are
required.
Get ready to plunge into the BIGGEST
challenge of your life! You are a contestant on
the most real of the reality shows on TV:
6.1 Extreme lifestyle change—
the 20% Challenge!
Consuming 20% fewer resources WILL make
an impact on slowing climate change. Does that
percentage seem like a lot? Are you visualizing a
diminished, constrained existence that doesn’t
look like fun at all? Consider this …
Western Europeans consume 20% less in
goods and services than Americans do. ey
use more public transit, cycle or walk to work
and shopping, live in smaller houses, hang
their laundry out to air dry, and in general, buy fewer things. Statistics show that
western Europeans are happier (yes, there is a happiness index), healthier, work
less (the usual amount of paid holiday time is 5 weeks), save more, spend more
time with family and friends, and enjoy a better quality of life overall than U.S.
citizens do. at sounds appealing, doesn’t it? You can do it too!
6.2 Practical steps for starting the 20% challenge
1. Figure out what’s really important to you and
your family
Use our companion guide, Living Sustainably: It’s Your Choice, to help you
identify what you value most. Create a decision-making template based on your
family values. We each have dierent values depending on how, when, and where
we grew up, and what we’ve experienced in life. But no matter what lifestyle we
prefer, we can make better choices (i.e., keep our carbon footprint small). Weed
out what’s not important to you, and you’ll reach that 20%.
2. Investigate the possibilities
ere are 2 parts to this investigation. e rst is to get information. Look at
the websites, read the reports, check out books and articles from the library,
peruse “10 things you can do for the environment” lists. Explore the One Less
Rit-Z
17
• reduce spending 20%
• reduce energy use 20%
• reduce petroleum product usage 20%
(vehicles, power mowers, boats)
• save 20% of your earnings
• reduce water use 20%
• increase energy conservation 20%
• increase quality time with your family and
friends 20%
• increase time you volunteer in your
community 20%
Get Ready!
Starting today, pledge to
• reduce your garbage 20% by weight
• increase the amount of
local food you buy 20%
• reduce travel miles 20%
• increase outdoor
activities 20%
• reduce busy work 20%
• reduce household
clutter 20%
• reduce plastics usage 20%
• and you choose the rest!
Car Challenge, or the Eat Local Challenge, Plan C Solutions, or the 2000 Watt
Society. (Didn’t catch those the rst time? Google ‘em!) What about zero-waste
living, or eco-villages, or the carbon-conscious consumer? Check those out, too.
e second part is to gure out your baseline data. If you aim to reduce electrical
usage 20% in the coming year, how much do you currently use? For those of you
who love charts and graphs, this is the fun stu. Pull out your utility statements,
weigh your garbage, scan your credit card bills.
3. Identify 1st, 2nd and 3rd tier actions
Identify and separate possible actions into “easier to do,” “harder to do,” and “most
challenging.” Find fun actions too—did you realize that not ironing your clothes is an
energy-saver? Select actions that make substantial dierences in your carbon footprint.
4. Consider the implications of your actions
Did you know that even a simple step like installing a low-ow showerhead can add
up to big results? Using less water in your household means
• your community withdraws less water from its water sources, such as wells and
surface water
• fewer chemicals are used to make that water safe for human consumption
• less electricity is consumed for treating and pumping the water
• less carbon is emitted into the atmosphere
• less wastewater is discharged into the municipal wastewater system—reducing
the strain on the existing system or the capacity needed in a new system
• your water bill is lower!
18
5. Jumpstart yourself
Reserve this weekend to tackle the Jumpstart list.
6. Learn more
Take eld trips. Visit local farms and farmers markets. Explore green spaces. Sign
up for ‘how to’ classes. One of the friendliest activities you can do is walk your
neighborhood; observe what others are doing—or not doing—to live a “lower
carbon footprint” lifestyle. Watch out, you might nd new friends when you do!
7. Get mad!
Or at least get passionate about something. Does the Great Plastic Gyre in the
Pacic Ocean make you see red? What about oil spills? Are you appalled at
inhumane working conditions in clothing sweatshops? Do you hate seeing good
food being thrown away while people in your community go hungry? Is there a
threat to your favorite scenic area? Are useful goods going in the landll instead
of being reused? Is it dangerous to cycle or walk in your community? Use that
passion to make a dierence!
8. Take a “Do I Really Need This?” stance
Adopt this mantra: “more
fun, less stu!” Use it to
decide what projects to
take on, what items to
buy, what gis to give.
Challenge your creativity
by nding new ways to
do things, new ways to
use things, new ways to
make things for yourself—
all the while reducing
consumption 20%.
Jumpstart
Things you can do—this weekend!
• change to CFL or LED
lightbulbs
• install low-ow showerheads
• adjust your thermostat
• caulk and seal your windows
• turn o your TV for an hour (or
more)
• switch to cold water wash for your
clothes and hang your laundry out
• change the air lter on your furnace
• put a jug of tap water in the
refrigerator
• sit and do absolutely nothing for 10
minutes
19
e next two recommendations may seem strange considering all the vigorously
active changes we’re encouraging you to make. However, without these philosophical
foundations, follow-through will be more dicult.
9. Slow down
Making thoughtful choices takes time. Not having enough time makes it
dicult to invest in lifestyle changes. is is a particularly sticky problem in the
U.S. where on average, we work over 160 hours more per year than workers did
in 1969. at’s 20 days more!
We’ve also gotten into the habit of thinking we don’t have time to do things
when in fact, we do have time, we just choose to do other things instead. But like
any habit, slowing down and learning to think about how to do things better
gets easier the more oen you do it.
10. Be kind
If you do nothing else from this guide, be kind—to yourself, your family,
your neighbors, your community, your bioregion, the plants and animals
that share your world. Be kind—to our one and only planet.
Be Kind
to our one and only
planet.
20
Climate Science
PEW Foundation’s Climate Change 101: Science and Impacts
www.pewclimate.org/docUploads/Climate101-Science-Jan09.pdf
RealClimate
An FAQ site on climate change, for beginners, run by climate scientists.
www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2007/05/start-here
e Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
THE ocial authority. e single most reliable source. Used by businesses and governments, the world over. is
is a very comprehensive site.
www.ipcc.ch
Living with the Changes
PEW Foundation
e Pew Center on Global Climate Change has a series of documents comprising their “Climate Change 101.”
www.pewclimate.org/global-warming-basics/climate_change_101
NOAA Climate Literacy
Go here to obtain the free publication Climate Literacy: e Essential Principles of Climate Science.
www.climate.noaa.gov/index.jsp?pg=/education/edu_index.jsp&edu=literacy
e Carbon-Conscious Consumer
e Center for the New American Dream.
www.newdream.org/cc/index.php
ink Smart, Act Cool
A nice personal take on ghting rapid climate change.
www.sustainable.org/information/inkSmart_GlobalWarming_A.pdf
EPA Climate Change Site
e EPA site is a gateway to a wide range of information and tools regarding climate change science, adaptation, mitigation,
local government and business energy planning.
www.epa.gov/climatechange
Plan C. Community Solutions
www.communitysolution.org/index.html
e Sustainable Living Project at OSU
Oregon State University
www.cof.orst.edu/cof/extended/sustain/
Sustainable Communities Capacity Center
University of Wisconsin Extension
www.capacitycenter.org
Sustainable Communities Network
www.sustainable.org
7 Resources
ere’s a wealth of information about climate change and what you can do to make a dierence. We’ve
selected a few to get you started. Please feel free to contact the authors if you have any questions.
21
The Psychology of Climate Change Communication
Climate Change Wildlife and Wildlands Toolkit
A toolkit for formal and informal educators. Maintained by the U.S. Global Climate Change Research Program.
www.globalchange.gov/resources/educators/toolkit
e Center for Research on Environmental Decisions
Columbia University has published e Psychology of Climate Change Communication, “A Guide for Scientists, Journalists,
Educators, Political Aides, and the Interested Public.”
www.cred.columbia.edu/guide
Transition Towns
A Transition Initiative (which could be a town, village, university or island etc.) is a community-led response to climate
change pressures, fossil fuel depletion, and economic instability.
www.transitionnetwork.org/about
e Investor Network on Climate Risk
INCR is a network of institutional investors and nancial institutions that promotes better understanding of the nancial
risks and investment opportunities posed by climate change.
www.incr.com
Climatebiz - climate business online magazine
www.greenbiz.com/climate
Citizen Science & Phenology
e USA National Phenology Network
Facilitates collection and dissemination of phenological data to support global change research. Join up!
www.usanpn.org/
A Phenology listserv:
phenolog-l@uwm.edu
Project Budburst
Collect important climate change data on the timing of leang and owering in your area.
www.budburst.ucar.edu/
A radio story about this project:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10086723
Citizen Science Central
www.birds.cornell.edu/citscitoolkit/projects/nd
Find a Citizen Science Project!
Appalachian Mountain Club Mountain Watch (Appalachian Mountains)
www.outdoors.org/conservation/mountainwatch
Cornell Lab’s Project Feeder Watch
Embrace winter, and count feeder birds for science!
www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
www.audubon.org/bird/cbc
United States and Canada: North American Breeding Bird Survey
www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs
National Wildlife Federation: Wildlife Watch (pick by state)
www.nwf.org/WildlifeWatch
Citizen Weather Observation
e National Weather Service (NWS) Cooperative Observer Program (COOP) is the nation’s weather and climate observing
network of more than 11,000 volunteers. e COOP was formally created in 1890.
www.weather.gov/om/coop
Non-Prot Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Corvallis, OR
Permit No. 200
Forestry Communications Group
Oregon State University
280 Peavy Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331-5704
Address Service Requested
Using coal, natural gas, or oil
for electricity, heat or transpor-
tation releases carbon dioxide
(CO2) into the atmosphere.
These daily carbon
dioxide emissions
make up your
carbon footprint.
Why Care?
Too much CO2
from our daily
activities hurts the
planet’s climate.
Measuring carbon emissions
can be tricky. This card lists
estimates of the CO2 emitted
through common activities.
Add it up:
When you want to lose weight,
you count calories. When you
want to save money, you count
dollars. Want to improve
the atmosphere?
Count CO2 emissions.
Driving, flying, drink-
ing coffee and even
eating sushi all have
a carbon footprint.
Use this guide to count
your carbon so you can
live lighter!
What is a carbon footprint?
www.soprisfoundation.org
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F
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LIVING
LIGHT!
303 E ABC Aspen, CO 81611
Sustainability for the Rockies
100% Post Consumer recycled paper
Put this card in your wallet or
on your fridge for reference!
Home Energy Use Travel | Recreation Food | Drink | Work
Lights
use natural window light ................... 0 lb CO2
Cooling
open a window for fresh air............... 0 lb CO2
Washing
cold water, air dry ................ 0.4 lb CO2/day
Snow
shovel by hand ...................... 0 lb CO2/winter
Bathing
hot shower, 5 minutes ........ 3.5 lbs CO2/shower
Home
energy efficient house ............ 3.8 lbs CO2/sf/yr
Lights
four 26 Watt CFL bulbs
for 12 hours ........................... 1.7 lbs CO2/day
Cooling
electric fan ........................... 1 lb CO2/day
Washing
cold water, electric dryer ........ 4.4 lb CO2/day
Snow
snowplow truck removal ........ 950 lbs CO2/winter
Bathing
hot shower, 10 minutes ........ 7 lbs CO2/shower
Home
average US household ............. 10 lbs CO2/sf/yr
Lights
four 100 Watt bulbs
for 12 hours ........................... 6.5 lbs CO2/day
Cooling
air conditioner ...................... 7 lbs CO2/day
Washing
hot water, electric dryer .......... 8 lbs CO2/day
Snow
heated driveway .................. 6 tons CO2/winter
Bathing
soaking in avg hot tub ................... 9 lbs/day
Home
large size, many amenities ........ 51 lbs CO2/sf/yr
Driving
take the bus instead ......0.2 lb CO2/passenger mile
Flights
long, extended trip* ...... 0.3 lb CO2/passenger mile
Recreation
cross country ski .................. negligible CO2
Exercise
walk, hike outdoors ................... negligible CO2
Extra
average car idling in traffic ............ 12 lbs CO2/hour
Driving
hybrid electric car, 41 mpg .......... 0.5 lb CO2/mile
Flights
medium trip* ............. 0.5 lb CO2/passenger mile
Recreation
lift-serviced skiing ............... 45 lbs CO2/day
Exercise
gym workout ........................ 21 lbs CO2/visit
Extra
snowmobiling .......................... 87 lbs CO2/hour
Driving
average 23 mpg vehicle .............. 0.9 lb CO2/mile
Flights
short trip* ................ 0.9 lb CO2/passenger mile
Recreation
heli-skiing ...................... 419 lbs CO2/day
Extra
private jet ............................ 3.4 tons CO2/hour
Water
tap water ............................. negligible CO2
Alcohol
New Belgium beer....... 1.8 lbs CO2/12-oz bottle
Food
fruits & vegetables ................... 1.6 lbs CO2e/lb
Food
banana ....................... 0.25 lbs CO2e/banana
Work
laptop computer ...................... 0.3 lb CO2/day
Extra
coffee ................................. 0.4 lb CO2/cup
Water
dispenser with hot/cold ........... 3.1 lbs CO2/day
Alcohol
domestic wine .......... 5.5 lbs CO2/750 ml bottle
Food
chicken, fish, eggs ...................... 6 lbs CO2e/lb
Work
desktop computer .................... 2.2 lb CO2/day
Extra
LCD 40" flatscreen TV ................ 0.7 lb CO2/day
Water
bottled Fiji water ...................... 1 lb CO2/liter
Alcohol
French wine ............ 6.2 lbs CO2/750 ml bottle
Food
beef ................................... 22 lbs CO2e/lb
Food
cheeseburger .................... 6.6 lbs CO2e/burger
Work
send a UPS package ............ 4.7 lbs CO2/package
Extra
yellowtail sushi .................... 0.5 lb CO2e/piece
50 lbs
100 lbs
150 lbs
Average
European
Average
American
Target US Carbon
Footprint by 2050
lbs. of carbon dioxide per capita, per day
In addition to other factors, more fuel is burned during
takeoff & landing in a short flight than on long flights.
The distance a product is shipped from where it was
produced, or the specific model of a home appliance
or personal vehicle alter the actual carbon footprint.
These estimates are based on best available information.
For a complete explanation of the calculations,
refer to “Daily Carbon” at www.soprisfoundation.org
47
lbs/day
144
lbs/day
10
lbs/day
▲ ▲
*
