1. Climate Change Basics (and let’s not despair!)
Jennifer Burnham, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Geography Dept. Chair
Augustana College

2. QCA
80°
70°
60°

4. What do we know about climate change and why do we care?
The climate is changing NOW. Everywhere and everyone is (and will be) affected.
WE are responsible for this climatic change – not just Mother Nature.
It may be scary and hard to fathom, but climate change is happening.
WE can be the instruments of change.

5. What does climate change mean?
It does NOT mean that everywhere on the planet it is getting
warmer and drier.
Problems with predictability and consistency of weather
patterns.
IPCC, 2007

6. What does climate change mean?
OK, but I like the heat…what’s the big deal?

7. Human health
Freshwater availability
Food and agriculture

8. Why is it happening? How do we know?
Increased CO2 = increased temperatures

9. It’s been warm before…even warmer than today….so what’s the big deal?

10. How can the church play a role in preparing for a changing climate?
Step 1: Don’t panic. Don’t despair
Step 2: Embrace the science and the urgency
Step 3: Act!

11. Step 1:
Don’t despair
This does not mean you don’t have to do step 3 because others are stepping up!

12. Step 2: Learn the science Recognize the urgency You showed up today!!

13. This step will look different for everyone and every congregation.
Act! Act! Act!
This step will look different for everyone and every congregation.
Every step (no matter how small) is important.
Think about resilience

14. “Low hanging fruit” actions
What you are already doing across the Synod
Changing lightbulbs to LEDs
Conducting building energy audits
Changing thermostat set points
Occupancy light sensors
Recycling and composting
Green cleaning products
Involving youth
Lobbying to Congress

15. Ok, I’ve done the “easy” stuff… now what?
100% electric car

16. --Talk to others
--Be inspired by others
--Learn from others
--Share resources

17. Do my small changes make a difference?
YES!
Union of Concerned Scientists

18. Questions?