Enjoying Outside, Inside - Climate Change: Finding Out What Works
Amy Boyer • December 5, 2022
Camping on Molok Luyuk by Bob Fredenburg
If you’re like most Americans, you support policies to mitigate climate change but believe other Americans don’t. Meanwhile, although mainstream news outlets are devoting more coverage to climate change, they tend to focus on impacts rather than solutions, which can add to a sense of helplessness. But solutions are out there, and by learning about them you have more opportunity to support them.
In my experience, news outlets and organizations that specialize in environmental issues often cover solutions even in discussions of problems. Here are some of my favorite sources for solutions-oriented journalism.
- Top of my list—partly because I write for it—is Project Regeneration Nexus. Want to know why toilet paper is driving climate change? Check out the Boreal Forests page. Wondering whether carbon credits are for real or just greenwashing? Read the Offsets and Onsets pages. Never thought of seagrasses as a climate solution? See why they are one of the world’s most effective carbon storage systems (OK, that page is mine; the others are by my colleagues). Every carefully researched page both discusses climate impacts and provides ways to act at levels from individual to governance.
- Grist.org has been covering climate issues for many years. Its Grist Fix section features change makers in all walks of life; this year the section focuses on imagined futures that we might actually want, instead of the dystopias that are catching our attention spans (and making money off of them). It also runs current articles on solutions like why eating lionfish can save other fish and profiles changemakers from all walks of life.
- If you want a global discussion that covers frontline and indigenous communities, try Mongabay. Their nuanced, nuts-and-bolts focus can help with making better individual choices (like how to reduce computer gaming energy use) and policy choices (like why preserving even a tiny riparian buffer is better than none).
- Yale Environment 360 gives deep dives into a variety of environmental issues. Even when the headline emphasizes problems, their article typically discusses potential solutions, as in this article on failed tree planting projects that links to a more successful approach, or this article on pollen and heat that discusses a variety of ways that researchers and growers are making sure their crops can pollinate.
- For a more tech-oriented approach–or to really get involved–see the ClimateBase blog. ClimateBase is a job search site for those who want to use their skills to combat climate change, and their blog features financial, technological, and industrial aspects of climate change.
There’s a lot happening out there—go take a look!
-Amy Boyer
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We are excited to announce the dates for next year's Certified California Naturalist courses! Our multi-week course will be held Fridays, January 16 to March 6 with three field trips held on Saturdays. Our one-week immersive course at Wilbur Hot Springs Resort is April 12 - 17 . Tuleyome’s Certified California Naturalist (CalNat) program trains members of the public to become California Naturalists. No advanced degree or previous naturalist experience is required – Tuleyome teaches you everything you need to know to become certified. Our course is focused on the northern inner Coast Range mountains, specifically the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region. The program, developed by the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, is designed to introduce Californians to the wonders of our unique ecology and engage the public in study and stewardship of California’s natural communities. The California Naturalist program uses science curriculum, hands-on learning, problem-solving, participatory science, and community service to instill a deep appreciation for the natural communities of the state and to inspire individuals to become stewards of their local resources. Courses combine classroom and field experience in science, problem-solving, communication training and community service, taught by an instructor and team of experts. Check out the Certified California Naturalist page for more information. -Nate Lillge (nlillge@tuleyome.org) Tuleyome Adventures and Engagement Director Certified California Naturalist
Tuleyome thanks Kim Longworth for her work as part of Tuleyome’s volunteer Board of Directors. Kim joined Tuleyome’s Board of Directors to advance our mission to conserve, enhance, restore, and enjoy our public lands in Northern California, specifically the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument region. She took on many tasks during her tenure on the Board including assisting with grant writing and educational programming. Although Kim is stepping down from the Board, she is not parting ways with Tuleyome. She will continue to support Tuleyome’s mission as an event participant and in other ways. Thank you, Kim! -Bill Grabert (Volunteer Tuleyome Board Member) and Nate Lillge (Adventures and Engagement Director)
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