Climate, climate variability and climate change are frequently discussed topics – from the dinner table to international forums.

The global climate system and natural climate variability are complex and dynamic and can be very confusing. Add the myriad issues associated with climate change, such as political, social and economic variables, and the confusion increases.

Climate variability and climate change affect and will continue to affect the availability of water and every aspect of life.

Goal

To help people understand the science behind climate and measures they can take to reduce the negative impact of climate variability and climate change, while recognizing the crucial role climate plays.

Preliminary list of topics includes:

1. global climate basics.
2. climate vs. weather.
3. “greenhouse effect.”
4. major climate regions.
5. climate through time (variability).
6. water and climate.
7. people and climate.
8. climate and natural and managed systems.
9. natural hazards.
10. climate change and potential impact (human mitigation/adaptation).
11. the future our responsibilities, becoming a climate steward, no-regrets policies.

Deliverables

Discover Climate Kids In Discovery (KIDs) activity booklet (ages eight to 12)
Discover Climate Educators Guide

Projected Timeline

Publish in June, 2010

Amount Needed

$150,000 USD

Discover Climate Kids In Discovery (KIDs) activity booklet (ages eight to 12) ($75,000 USD)
Discover Climate Educators Guide ($75,000 USD)

Donate

Reach/Impact

• Helps students understand the science behind climate and the measures they can take to reduce the negative impact of variability and climate change while recognizing the crucial role climate plays.
• Includes ActionEducation components detailing what children can do at home and school. Summaries of ActionEducation projects are posted on the Project WET web site
• Empowers children to take action.
• Publications are distributed through the Project WET store and network (43 countries).
• Potential to reach more than 20,000 children and thousands of educators annually.

Sponsor Benefits

• All project sponsors, partners and reviewers are acknowledged for their contributions.
• Logos (company or brand) and mission statements of financial sponsors and major in-kind donors are included on publications.
• Complementary copies are provided (commensurate with the level of support) for financial sponsors.
• Press releases acknowledge all financial sponsors.
• All financial sponsors are recognized on the Project WET web site.
• Branded publications may be used internally for employees and/or externally for customers and consumers.
• Publications are distributed through Project WET, creating brand exposure for years to come.
• Potential global distribution.

Project Partners

National Drought Mitigation Center