Green Schools

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Green Schools

• Eugene C. Cordero
• Department of Meteorology
• San Jose State University

• Outline
• Global warming Current status
• Solutions
• Greening your school, steps forward

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Fragile handle with care
Earth Our Planet
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Human Activities Can Intensify The Greenhouse
Effect
Transportation
Utilities
Industry
Source U.S. EPA State and Local Climate Change
Outreach Kit, March 2000
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CO2 over the last 1000 years
Today ?
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Temperature the last 125 years
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Svalbard, Norway (79ºN)
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Northern Alaska
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Temperature through to 2100
3-10ºF warmer
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Potential Climate Change Impacts
Climate Changes
Temperature Increase
Precipitation Patterns and Extremes
Sea Level Rise
Source Anne Grambsch, 1998
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Californias Temperature Forecast
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Sierra Snowpack The Future
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Prudence
Solutions
Foresight (or wisdom) that leads to the
avoidance of danger or error.
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The Design of Effective Solutions
Government Emission targets/regulations
Technology Advances/ innovations
Education Societys awareness of personal
connection
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We know that what causesglobal warming
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But sometimes its harder to see
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Green Schools
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Local solutions that inspire and educate

• Pollution and greenhouse gas reductions
• Bike/walk to school
• Energy efficiency
• Recycling and reducing waste
• Zero Waste, Gardens and Compost
• Develop green guidelines for the school
• Incorporate existing environmental programs into
  curriculum.

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Walking and biking to school

• Promote healthy and active lifestyle
• Use resources from national Safe Routes to
  Schools
• Help promote community

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Promoting energy efficiency

• Energy efficient classrooms
• Lighting, computers etc.
• Increase use of renewable energy

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Reducing waste

• Establish a commitment towards Zero Waste
• recycling centers and reduction of paper use
• Work towards eliminating styrofoam/plastic from
  school
• Develop educational experience around gardens
  (compost)

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Challenges and opportunities

• Financial
• Green solutions often cost more initiallybut may
  save money in long run.
• Use creative solutions to fund projects
• Campaign for Styrofoam-Free School
• Campaign for solar installation
• Campaign to develop edible garden
• Consider educational value

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Solutions make sense, create community and enrich
our childrens lives

• Children are our future
• Champions are needed!!