Environment & Climate Change
Research shows that sea levels have been climbing at an increased rate (3cm per decade since 1990) due to human caused climate change. This does and will continue to pose serious challenges to coastal regions, increase the likelihood of devastating storms and endanger marine wildlife. By October 6, 2020, 25 named storms had formed since January—more than double the yearly average of 12. Additionally, over 44,000 wildfires have burned nearly 7.7 million acres in 2020. With human ingenuity and the technological advances available to us, action is possible to mitigate the effects of climate change, and to keep our planet strong for future generations.
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Environment & Climate Change Nonfiction
Environment & Climate Change Books For Young Children
Learn More Online
- Climate Literacy & Energy Awareness Network: A high-quality and rigorously reviewed collection of climate and energy educational resources.
- Don’t Be Fooled!: Learn more about misinformation and media bias using our online subject guide.
- edX Online Courses: Free online climate change related classes.
- NASA Climate Change: Dig into the science of climate change, including facts, articles, and discussion of the scientific consensus.
- NOAA Climate: NOAA Climate.gov is a source of timely and authoritative scientific data and information about climate.
- Pew Research: Pew’s topic page is a good starting point. Relevant topics include: Energy and the Environment. Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research without taking policy positions.
- Podcasts:
- Slow Factory: Educational resources, programs, and ideas from an award-winning organization creatively addressing the intersecting crises of climate justice & human rights through cultural change, science and design.
- US Global Change Research Program: A federal program mandated by Congress to coordinate federal research and investments in understanding the forces shaping the global environment, both human and natural, and their impacts on society.
Get Involved
Join or support local chapters and organizations:
- Chelmsford Climate Action Team: A local group dedicated to advocacy and education in the Chelmsford community.
- Chelmsford Local: Support the Chelmsford Land Conservation Trust or volunteer with the Chelmsford Open Space Stewards.
- Citizens’ Climate Lobby: A national organization with a Local Chapter in Lowell, MA.
- Climate Conversations: Tune into this Chelmsford Library program series that takes place on the second Thursday of each month at 1 p.m.
- Elder Climate Action (MA Chapter): The local chapter of an organization of seniors with a focus on taking actions to positively affect climate change.
- Social Justice Book Group: This book group is an informal group that meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. In addition to book discussions on a variety of social justice related topics, the group hosts speaker programs and presentations themed around the selected book titles.
Join or support national or international organizations:
- 350.org: An international movement of ordinary people working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy for all.
- Environmental Defense Fund: Environmental Defense Fund’s mission is to preserve the natural systems on which all life depends. Guided by science and economics, they find practical and lasting solutions to the most serious environmental problems.
- Green America: Green America harnesses economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.
- The Nature Conservancy: The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. With more than a million members and 400 scientists, they impact conservation in 72 countries and territories.
- Sierra Club: Bringing people together to speak up for environmental protections.
- World Wildlife Fund: WWF is an independent conservation organization active in nearly 100 countries. They are working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife.
Write to your representatives!