Climate Conversations
Sponsored in part by:
West Barnstable, MA – As part of National Environmental Awareness Month this September, Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) will explore climate-related topics through walks and talks including art, literature, and science programs through its second annual Climate Conversations series. Working with 10+ community partners, month-long highlights include a film screening and discussion on climate changes on Morris Island (Chatham) combined with a presentation on the relocation of the Sandy Neck Beach parking lot, a climate change trail hike through Woods Hole, a homeowner’s workshop on getting climate-ready, extreme weather presentations (“Clouds and Climate” and “Wild Weather”), an outdoor Native American nature poetry program, a bog restoration walk, a historical landscape exploration, a hands-on Tree Planting 101 session with an arborist, and more. A full calendar of events, resources, and more information can be found below.
Context
According to the Yale Center for Climate Communications, 76% of people in the US believe global warming is happening, and Americans’ concerns about global warming is at an all-time high. A 2023 NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll found nearly 60% of those ages 18 to 29 believe climate change should be a priority, even at the risk of slowing economic growth. A larger group (64%) believe climate change is a major threat, and 72% responded that climate change is affecting their local community. Yet, 64% of Americans rarely or never talk about it. BLT’s Climate Conversations month builds on author Dr. Katherine Hayhoe’s book Saving Us message: “There is one thing that everyone can do, and we’re not doing it…. Talk about it. If you don’t talk, why would you care? And if you don’t care, why would you do anything about it?” The goal of this initiative is to get people of all ages and backgrounds to start talking by joining a program, attending an event, or checking out some of the resources that we have compiled below.
Marine Debris Art Sculpture by Sarah Thornington of Ebb the Tide
Climate Conversations Programs and Events
Partners and Collaborators
Town of Barnstable (Arts|Barnstable, Natural Resources and Planning and Development), Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, CCB Media, Greening Hyannis, Resilient Woods Hole, St. John Paul II High School, Woods Hole Sea Grant, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Sturgis Library, Osterville Village Library, and other Cape Cod Conservation groups. Jack Ahern and Ellen Snoeyenbos (Walking Readers Group) are also providing special programs during the month.
Resources
Are you interested in learning more? Here are some links to local and global resources that we hope will provide eco-friendly inspiration, tools, and resources during BLT’s Climate Conversations Initiative.
BLT Climate Conversations Trivia Game
Created by Megan Morey, a recent Cape Cod Academy graduate, this interactive game is fun for adults and kids! Learn fun facts about rising sea levels, renewable energy, and environmental solutions in this multiple-choice game.
Local Businesses Promoting Sustainability
CARE for the Cape & Islands and Love Live Local celebrate and highlight local businesses that are leading the way in sustainability, showcasing their innovative practices and contributions to our community's environmental stewardship on the Businesses that CARE webpage. Others have the opportunity to learn from these businesses and gain insights into how sustainable practices can drive positive environmental change on Cape Cod.
Based outside of Boston, this nonprofit’s unique engagement programs combine sustainability content with art and design experiences to develop an optimistic culture of sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. They have also developed some wonderful resources for activists, green teams, and educators to engage people of all ages. Just click here to explore the possibilities.
Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative
A local coalition of business, environmental, public, and nonprofit organizations and citizens committed to addressing the climate crisis in the Cape & Islands region. You can explore local resources and initiatives here and/or learn more about their Net Zero 2024 event here.
A nationally recognized award-winning energy services organization operated by the 21 towns on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard and Dukes County, they offer free energy audits and renewable energy resources.
Cape Cod Commission/Cape Cod Climate Initiative
In July 2021, the Cape Cod Commission released its Climate Action Plan that outlines a framework for action to support a climate resilient region. Read the report here and explore other resources that support the plan here.
Woodwell Climate Research Center
Woodwell Climate Research Center is based in Woods Hole and conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature—solutions that are urgently needed to propel us toward a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable world. Learn more about how they partner with a global network of communities and leaders for just, meaningful impact to address the climate crisis here.
Yale Program for Climate Change Communications
Dedicated to research and outreach on global climate change issues, you can access opinion maps by country and even county. Explore the Barnstable County feedback here.
Climate Kids is a web-based resource with games, activities, videos and that encourages kids to learn more about climate; the content is produced by the Earth Science Communications Team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology.
About Barnstable Land Trust
BLT is a community-supported, nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving open space and natural resources in the Town of Barnstable and nearby areas. BLT is proud to be a regional leader in collaborative land preservation and stewardship, community engagement, training, and advocacy.
