merican Response to Climate Change
An issue for the Adirondacks
The overwhelming scientific evidence indicates that a severe disruption of the Earth's climate is underway, and that the disruption is being caused by an overload of carbon pollution. The climate has shifted in the Adirondacks already, with impacts on species and systems and more changes are built into the carbon already released. As a science-based organization, The Wild Center is deeply concerned about how changes in one of the major pillars that support the natural world will impact life.
The Wild Center initiatives in climate include:
Created as a result of the American Response to Climate Change Conference, this effort is a partnership that is putting in place a plan for the Adirondacks. Its website can be viewed here. Download more information here. You can copy and paste the RSS feed into your feed reader here as well.
The Finland Exchange
Listen to the Public Radio interview with Stephanie Ratcliffe on The Wild Center exchange program with the Heureka Science Center in Finland linking two northern cultures approaching climate and its impact on winter.
The American Response to Climate Change Conference for the nation
This national gathering produced a national policy document to chart a path to reducing greenhouse gas emission in the United States. Coverage of current White House Science Advisor John Holdren's presentation at The Wild Center.
The American Response to Climate Change Conference for the Adirondacks
This regional gathering led to the creation of the ADKCAP, a regional effort to advance the Adirondack economy and reduce carbon pollution.
Results and online videos from each Conference can be seen here
High quality videos of all the presentations can be seen and shared here. These presentations have an international audience and have been viewed by people in more than 100 countries so far.
A Matter of Degrees with Sigourney Weaver
This movie has been called one of the best films on climate disruption by national climate leaders and was a finalist at the Banff Film Festival and winner of the first prize media award from the National Association for Interpretation. It shows how small changes in climate can cause huge changes for living things.
Report on Climate Disruption in the Adirondacks
Produced in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society and written by Jerry Jenkins, author of The Adirondack Atlas, this Wild Center supported report looks at climate from a local perspective.
Adirondack Energy and GHG Inventory
The Wild Center supported this important audit of the park's carbon footprint. You can view the final document here.
Building a Greener Adirondacks
This conference brought builders, town officials, contractors and others together with national experts to give Adirondackers a chance to see new technologies and practices first hand.
LEED Building Effort
The Wild Center is the first LEED Certified museum in New York. It's Silver Certification from the United States Green Building Council made it the only such building in the Adirondacks, and at the time of its announcement, one of only 12 in New York. The major aspects of the Green Building are documented in an exhibit on the campus.
Local Food initiatives
Food creates more carbon pollution than car travel. Making food closer to where it is consumed can improve regional economies, has major pollution-cutting potential and positive health implications. The Wild Center presents local farm events throughout the year, and is active as a consumer and purveyor of locally grown food.
Adirondack Youth Climate Summit
The Wild Center supported this important gathering of area students from colleges and high schools in the Adirondacks.
Download a summary of these activities.