1. Ground Zero

2. The Alaskans

3. The Russians

4. What is Climate Change?  Climate change is an increase in temperatures world wide.  It affects plants and all animals, even humans. NOAA photo

5. What is Climate Change?  It is like having an extra-thick blanket on in the summer instead of a light one.

6. What are Greenhouse Gases?  Greenhouse gases trap heat and make earth warmer.  In the past 100 years there has been a significant increase in the amount of greenhouse gases.  Greenhouse gases come from many places, especially cars, factories, and farms

7. Who Feels the Effects?  Animals can lose their homes and their food sources.  Plants can no longer live in their original habitats.  Native people lose the ability to do traditional activities.  Coastal villages must move further inland.  People who live in northern climates must adapt to a new way of life.

8. How are Polar Bears Affected?  The sea-ice that polar bears live on in the artic is melting and will be completely gone by 2050.  Already, polar bears must swim long distances to find food and shelter.  In years past 66% of baby polar bears survived to adulthood, now only 24% of baby polar bears survive to adulthood.

9. How are Caribou Affected?  Because we now have freezing rain instead of snow, Caribou can no longer reach the plants they normally eat.  Instead of the normal lichen, there have been reports of Caribou in Russia eating mushrooms.

10. What are Invasive Species?  As temperatures increase fish, plants and insects that normally live in cold climates move north.  Recently, tropical fish have been seen in Alaskan waters.  Some invasive species have negative effects on Alaskan forests. © Ralph Berry OSU

11. How are Plants Affected by Climate Change?  Invasive insects destroy trees and plants.  Spruce trees that have been eaten by the Spruce Bark Beetle are more likely to catch on fire.  An invasive species called Purple Loosestrife have taken the place of local plants and currently have no natural predators in our area.

12. How are Native Groups in Alaska and Russia Affected?  Because of erosion, coastal villages are being forced to move or create man-made barriers.  Animals that natives depend on for survival are leaving the area, forcing natives to find other ways to live.

14. What can we do to help?  Every little bit helps!  Ride your bike  Carpool with your friends.  Talk to your parents about climate change  Turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth.  Turn off the lights when you leave a room, and the TV when you are done watching it.

15. It’s Easy Being Green!