Surface temperatures on Earth have increased faster in the last 50 years than any other 50-year period in the last 2000 years and this change in global temperature is impacting the weather and climate in every region on Earth. Around the world both people and nature are experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, and a thriving future requires us all to find a pathway to resilience to these challenges.
The Smithsonian Science Education Center, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP), has developed Climate Resilience! How can communities adapt to a changing climate? This new community research guide for youth ages 11–18, is underpinned by the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and highlights strategies for local adaptation to global impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels, extreme temperatures, flooding, drought, and wildfires.
As part of the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project, Climate Resilience! is the twelfth freely available guide. Climate Resilience! encourages youth to explore how communities can adapt food systems, effectively manage water, improve community structures, and support cultural resilience—all in response to the effects of climate change. As students take on the role of action researchers, they gather data about their communities and evaluate potential actions that can build their climate resilience.
“Climate change is happening, and today’s youth need educational experiences that help them discover the impacts of a changing climate on their local community, understand the effects of climate change and the underlying science, and act to contribute to a more resilient future.” said Carol O’Donnell, Director of the Smithsonian Science Education Center. “We want all youth prepared to be part of resilient communities ready to respond, adapt, and transform as they face the challenges of climate change.”
Climate Resilience! How can communities adapt to a changing climate? is supported by the Adrienne Arsht Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative. The conceptual framework for all Smithsonian Science for Global Goals guides was funded through a grant from the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation.
About the Smithsonian Science Education Center
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) is transforming K–12 Education Through Science in collaboration with communities across the globe. The SSEC is nationally and internationally recognized for the quality of its programs and its impact on K–12 science education. Visit the SSEC website to learn more about the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project and follow SSEC on X and Facebook.