What is climate change?

Weather forecasts are only skillful up to about a week but climate models can provide valuable information much farther into the future.  How is this possible?  Think about planning a camping trip and growing a garden. 

The greenhouse effect occurs naturally, but human actions are to blame for current global warming.  How is this possible?  Think about living in a house. 

Stratospheric temperatures have been cooling over the past few decades and even reached a record low in 2016.  Clearly there is no global warming, right?

The atmosphere is so big. How could human actions really have an impact? Have you ever burned a piece of toast in your kitchen? Maybe our atmosphere isn't so big after all...

If we suddenly stopped emitting carbon, global temperatures would continue to increase.  How is this possible?  Think about heating a loaf of bread. 

Atmospheric water vapor is increasing, resulting in higher global temperatures, and human actions are to blame.  How is this possible?  Imagine that you are sitting in a boat in the ocean.

Sea ice grows in the Arctic each winter, but Arctic sea ice extent has been declining in recent decades.  How is that possible?  Think about walking your puppy down a hill.

We know that temperature rises with CO2 levels normally, but what explains the huge jump in the last two centuries? Here's a hint: us.

Public speaking can be difficult, especially when the topic is a divisive one, like climate change. In spite of this, upcoming scientists are talking, and many of them are learning important communication skills along the way.

Global warming impacts are unique to each region on our planet, but they are most prevalent in places that are cold year-round. One scientist had an opportunity to observe the impacts of “regional warming” on glaciers first hand. This experience empowered her to make a difference and ultimately informed her career path.

Water is vital for life. It is required to grow crops, manufacture goods, and to maintain clean and safe cities and communities. With climate change, however, our reliable water sources are becoming less reliable.

What does a "true" winter look like in Vermont? This image is quickly changing changing and college students are taking notice.

As frigid air pours down from the Arctic, 2018 New Years celebrations across the northern and eastern US could indeed be the COLDEST on record.  So, where’s global warming?

As our climate changes, so will the behavior of hurricanes. November 30th marked the official end to this year's record breaking season.  Moving into the future, will this season prove to be an anomaly or did we just experience our new normal?

How much CO2 was in our atmosphere when your favorite album was released?

Our climate has a groove and we are throwing it off!

Imagine you are planning a hike in the mountains, but there are severe weather warnings. Will you be the cautious and responsible friend, or will you put everyone at risk? 

Grilling out in February? If this is what global warming looks like, I’ll take it!
Wait... Is this what global warming looks like?

It appears that NOAA scientists intentionally manipulated data to hide a pause in global warming. The main takeaway from this report? Scientists are changing data to make it look like climate change is real, when it is not. 

Human-caused climate change is happening.  The vast majority of scientists have known this for decades.  The impacts will likely be catastrophic.  In spite of this, greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise at an unprecedented rate and most people are not putting climate change at the forefront of decision-making. 

Human society needs a change of collective mind-set in relation to the Earth, because it is on an unsustainable path in a world of limited resources.

The clock is running out, and human-caused climate change is already having disproportionate impacts on various regions around the world.