Global warming and climate change

From the sweltering heat, severe storms, floods and droughts, to the rising seas and melting of the polar icecaps, the effects of global warming are hard to deny. Between the demand for power and gas-guzzling vehicles, we now know that humans are responsible for the increase in heat-trapping gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Perhaps what we have caused can be reversed over time. Businesses can be pressured to build more energy-efficient products. We can demand that our legislators pass laws to protect the environment. Each of us can find a way to curb waste and consumption -- before it's too late.

Web sites | "An Inconvenient Truth" | Books

Web Sites

Information, organizations and advocacy

33 Facts about Global Warming
Compiled by San Diego State University
http://globalwarming.sdsu.edu/

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Scientific information, health effects, U.S. policy, what you can do, and more.
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/

Global warming myths and facts
Some claim that global warming is not occurring or is part of the Earth's natural cycle. This site debunks these myths.
http://www.environmentaldefense.org/page.cfm?tagID=1011

National Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
With over 1 million members, the NRDC is one of the nation's most effective environmental action organizations.
http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/default.asp

Pew Center on Global Climate Change: Global warming basics
The Pew Center is a highly regarded center for research, analysis and recommendations for local, state and federal policy.
http://www.pewclimate.org/global-warming-basics/

Union of Concerned Scientists
A science-based non-profit working for a better world by combining "independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices" (from the Web site).
http://www.ucsusa.org/

Renewable energy and "green" living

Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST)
Support the advancement of renewable energy through research and policy advocacy. Funded by several non-profits and a few U.S. government agencies.
http://www.crest.org/

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: Green living
Information about materials, costs, builders and state guidelines. Includes a section on the importance of the "green" construction of schools.
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/greenbuilding/

Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)
State program to reduce waste at the industry-level. But consumers will find some useful resources that are available to them locally (for example, dry cleaners that use fewer chemicals and alternative techniques).
http://www.mntap.umn.edu/

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
An agency of the U.S. Department of Energy. Learn about the developments in the major renewable energy technologies.
http://www.nrel.gov/

For kids

Climate Change Education.org
From the University of CA/Berkeley. K-12 resources.
http://climatechangeeducation.org/

EPA Climate change for kids (http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/)
Includes information in kid-speak, games, links and stuff for teachers.

Global Warming Kids.net
Portal site, including scientific info, videos, projects, games, bibliography, links and lessons for teachers.
http://globalwarmingkids.net/

Pew Center on Global Climate Change: Global warming kids' page
Facts and things kids can do.
http://www.pewclimate.org/global-warming-basics/kidspage.cfm

U.S. Department of Energy Kids' page: Renewable energy
Teaches about renewable energy sources.
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/kids/

"An Inconvenient Truth"

Film (director Davis Guggenheim) and book by Al Gore (check CLICnet for availability)

Film narrated by Al Gore and winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary of 2006. The film presents a persuasive argument that climate change is not a political issue but a moral one that can no longer be ignored.

ClimateCrisis.net : official Web site for the film. Includes information on global warming, links and resources, and steps that individuals can take to make a difference.

Books

Search CLICnet: limited to books owned by St. Kate's's St. Paul or Minneapolis campus libraries

Search all of CLICnet : use the Request Item feature to order books from another location

Of particular interest:

	Encyclopedia of Global Warming and Climate Change (part of SAGE eReference)
	Global Warming in the 21st Century (by Bruce E. Johansen). St. Kate's St. Paul Reference collection: Ref. QC 981.8 .G56 J643 2006 Vol. 1: Our evolving climate crisis Vol. 2: Melting ice and warming seas Vol. 3: Plants and animals in peril
	Global Warming: Opposing Viewpoints (edited by Cynthia E. Bily). St. Kate's Circulating collection: QC 981.8 .G56 G574 2006 Check for availability