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Pictured Rocks National LakeshoreVisitors enjoy the Song of Lakes program at Twelvemile Beach Campground in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Climate Change
 
This image of Earth with green, yellow, orange and red to depict increased global warming.

NOAA image

Image of Earth showing increased global warming

Earth's climate is changing, with
global temperature now rising
at a rate unprecedented in the
experience of modern human society.
 
Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, 2004



Green Park - Green Planet

The challenge of climate change allows parks to serve as very visible models for climate friendly actions. Change has always been a powerful force of nature. National parks and the stories they represent help us understand and appreciate how much our lives are influenced by change. They illustrate for us how interconnected we are with our environment whenever change occurs.

As individuals and families, you can make a difference by learning
more about climate change and the ways we can help.

 
Climate Friendly Parks

The Climate Friendly Parks program is a joint partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Park Service.

Climate Friendly Parks from around the country are leading the way in the effort to protect our parks' natural and cultural resources and ensure their preservation for future generations.

www.nps.gov/climatefriendlyparks 
 
As a participant in the Climate Friendly Parks program, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore belongs to this network of parks that are putting climate friendly behavior at the forefront of sustainability planning in national parks. By conducting an emission inventory, setting an emission reduction target, developing an Action Plan, and committing to educate park staff, visitors, and community members about climate change, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is serving as a model for climate friendly behavior within the National Park Service.

www.nps.gov/climatefriendlyparks/parks/pictured%20rocks.html

 
Do Your Part! for Climate Friendly Parks Website ... Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

This on-line program empowers visitors to reduce their carbon emissions and thereby help to protect America’s national parks from the impacts of climate change.

Do Your Part! for Climate Friendly Parks works by creating a greenhouse gas (GHG) profile linked to the carbon footprint a selected park. Participants calculate their carbon footprint by entering basic information about their household’s energy needs.

The website offers specific GHG reduction recommendations, such as how to invest in energy efficient appliances or how to improve recycling practices that will reduce their GHG emissions. After six months, participants are asked to return to the website to update the progress they have made toward reducing their carbon footprint.

www.doyourpartparks.org

 
Gorgeous white sand beach, Chapel Creek, blue sky, fall color.
Robert H. Morris, Burt Lake, Michigan
Chapel Creek flows over Chapel Beach and into Lake Superior
 
Communicating Climate Change Information

Though uncertainly remains as to how climate change will manifest and how native flora and fauna native will respond, it is clear that the Great Lakes region is vulnerable. An integral component of planning for climate change will be an effective communication.

Our goal is to reach a wide audience extending from policy makers to local and visiting public, from scientists to students.

Climate Change Communication Strategy (pdf)



 
 
 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Climate Change

 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Resources

Global Climate Change: NASA's Eyes on the Earth
Goddard Institute for Space Studies

 
 
 
This solar collector provides power for the water well at the Au Sable Light Station in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  

Did You Know?
In 1992, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore began installing photovoltaic powered well pump systems at its drive-in campgrounds. All remote water wells within the lakeshore are now solar-powered.
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Last Updated: November 06, 2009 at 11:43 EST