Classroom-Level Climate Action

Rooftop solar panels and solar photovoltaics offer hyper-local, clean electricity generation, whether grid-connected or part of a stand-alone battery system. For more information, see Drawdown Distributed Solar Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/distributed-solar-photovoltaics

Regional Case Study: Bob and Carmen Garver, co-owners of Wicked Joe, LLC, a coffee roasting company in Topsham, Maine, incorporated solar energy into their new facility.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/wicked-joe-coffee-goes-solar

Classroom-level action:Assess if solar would be a good option for your school.

Description: Research the benefits of solar and the solar compatibility of your school. Determine if solar energy is a good option for your school. If it is, create a plan for implementation.

Supporting Resources:

Solutions Journalism Network, Rooftop Solar and Microgrids

https://solutionsu.solutionsjournalism.org/collections/5fp7unzzhl

Drawdown EcoChallenge Distributed Solar Actions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/electricity

Green roofs can capture or slow water runoff. They can also mitigate the overall urban heat island effect and insulate the building. For more information, see Drawdown Green and Cool Roofs Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/green-and-cool-roofs

Regional Case Study: A hospital in Boston is investing in infrastructure that will allow the hospital to stay open and treat patients during flooding events.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/investment-infrastructure-sea-level-hospital-will-pay-reducing-risk

Classroom-level action:Tour A Green Roof

Description: Set up a visit or a virtual tour of a green roof in your city and ask about the codes and process for installing a green roof.

Supporting Resources:

Map Of Green Roofs Around The World

https://www.greenroofs.com/projects/

Drawdown EcoChallenge Buildings Actions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/buildings#:~:text=ONE%2DTIME%20ACTION-,TOUR%20A%20GREEN%20ROOF,-GREEN%20AND%20COOL

Agriculture, development, and natural disasters have degraded many coastal wetlands. Restoring mangrove forests, salt marshes, and seagrass beds to health revives carbon sequestration. For more information, see Drawdown Coastal Wetlands Restoration Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/coastal-wetland-restoration

Regional Case Study: When Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey, homes and businesses along developed portions of the shore sustained substantial damage. Just down the beach, neighborhoods located inland from beaches with natural dune systems fared much better.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/restoring-natural-dunes-enhance-coastal-protection

Classroom-level action:Visit the Coast

Description: Visit a coastal or ocean site to experience the ecosystem and look for the presence of macroalgae/seaweed.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks Solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/coastal-ocean-and-engineered-sinks

Improving the management of wild-capture fisheries can reduce excess effort, overcapitalization, and overfishing. This can reduce fuel usage and rebuild fish populations, enhancing carbon sequestration. For more information, see Drawdown Improved Fisheries Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/improved-fisheries

Regional Case Study: Lobstermen in Maine are taking climate change seriously after the price of lobster greatly decreased in 2012 due to the effects of climate change on lobster ecosystems.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/maines-lobster-fishing-community-confronts-their-changing-climate

Classroom-level action: Explore sustainable seafood options for your school

Description: Talk to school cafeteria managers about whether the seafood served in the school cafeteria is sustainable and what options exist for school meals.

Supporting Resources:

Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Guide

https://www.seafoodwatch.org/recommendations/download-consumer-guides

Drawdown EcoChallenge Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/food-agriculture-and-land-use

Retrofits can improve energy efficiency and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions with better insulation and windows, efficient lighting, and advanced heating and cooling systems. Improving insulation can make heating and cooling systems more energy efficient. For More Information, see Drawdown Building Retrofitting And Insulation Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/building-retrofitting, https://drawdown.org/solutions/insulation

Regional Case Study: Residents of the Carolinas are familiar with hot summers, but in some areas excessive heat events bring a higher risk for heat-related illness—and even death. A new tool can help local communities get ahead of heat events so they can reduce risk for their residents.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/developing-early-warning-system-prevent-heat-illness

Classroom-level action: Learn about how your campus can become more energy-efficient

Supporting Resources:

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency: Buildings and Industry

https://www.energy.gov/eere/energy-efficiency-buildings-and-industry

Drawdown EcoChallenge Buildings Actions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/buildings

Conservation agriculture uses cover crops, crop rotation, and minimal tilling to produce annual crops. It protects soil, avoids emissions, and sequesters carbon. For More Information, see Drawdown Conservation Agriculture Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/conservation-agriculture

Regional Case Study: From weeks-long dry spells to extreme precipitation events, farmers face significant challenges in bringing crops to market. Here's how one grower uses seasonal climate forecasts to increase his chances for success.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/climate-outlooks-increase-farmers-odds-success

Classroom-level action: Explore local food options

Description: Research local producers in your areas. Learn about CSA options, local farmers markets, food co-ops, food rescue, local foraging groups, or gardening.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge food, agriculture, and land use actions https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/food-agriculture-and-land-use#:~:text=SUPPORT%20LOCAL%20FOOD%20SYSTEMS

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition National Guide to Finding Local Food

https://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/national-guide-to-finding-local-food/

Pumping water requires enormous amounts of electricity. Addressing leaks in water-distribution networks, especially in cities, can curb water loss, energy use, and emissions. For More Information, see Drawdown Water Distribution Efficiency Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/water-distribution-efficiency

Regional Case Study: Explore the historical context of drought in the Apalachicola-Cattahoochee-Flint (ACF) Basin, a primer on how water resources are managed there, and a look ahead to the future.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/drought-acf-river-basin

Regional Case Study: Just south of Atlanta's busy Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Clayton County seems like an obvious place for metropolitan growth. But more homes and businesses mean a higher demand on the county's limited water supplies.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/water-recycling-clayton-county-georgia

Classroom-level action: Reduce water consumption

Description: Learn about how you can reduce water usage in your community or at your school

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge Buildings Actions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/buildings

EPA WaterSense

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving

Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods can result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, overflows of rivers, and dam failure. Floods can be dangerous. People die by drowning when they don't evacuate before flood waters come or when they enter floodwaters. Floods can damage buildings and roads, cause power outages, and create landslides. Floodwaters carry waste and pollute drinking water. Flooding can develop slowly or quickly. Flash floods can be sudden and violent. Climate change increases our risk of many types of flooding. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones. For More Information, see The American Red Cross Flood Safety and NOAA National Severe Storms Library Severe Weather 101: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html, https://nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/floods/

Regional Case Study: After catastrophic flooding in New Orleans destroyed two hospitals, the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System is planning a replacement facility that will incorporate resilience against future extreme events.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/after-katrina-health-care-facilitys-infrastructure-planned-withstand-future-flooding

Classroom level actions: Create a flood plan for your school

Description: Research the risk of floods for your school and create a plan for how your school can prepare and respond in the case of a flood.

Supporting Resources:

US Department of Education, Preparing for Floods at K-12 Schools and School Districts -https://rems.ed.gov/docs/K12FloodFactSheet_508C.pdf

Building retrofitting involves upgrading building components such as heating/cooling systems for high efficiency. This approach offers a sustainable solution for enhancing energy efficiency. For More Information, see Project Drawdown Building Retrofitting Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/building-retrofitting

Regional Case Study: This Minnesota tribal community—which subscribes to the Seven Generations philosophy—is taking action to reduce its contributions to greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously building community capacity to adapt.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/fond-du-lac-band-lake-superior-chippewa-combine-mitigation-capacity-building

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/wicked-joe-coffee-goes-solar

Classroom level actions: Learn about how your campus can become more energy efficient

Supporting Resources:

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency: Buildings and Industry

https://www.energy.gov/eere/energy-efficiency-buildings-and-industry

Drawdown Ecochallenge

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/buildings

In their biomass and soil, forests are powerful carbon storehouses. Protection prevents emissions from deforestation, shields stored carbon, and enables ongoing carbon sequestration. For More Information, see Project Drawdown Forest Protection Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/forest-protection

Regional Case Study: In northern Wisconsin, tribal foresters from the Menominee Nation are working to speed regeneration of forest areas that have been treated for invasive diseases. Their efforts are also creating forests that are better adapted to future conditions. https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/and-trees-will-last-forever

Classroom level actions: Research Indigenous Peoples' Land Management

Description: Learn how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land and ways to support indigenous people's land management.

Supporting Resource:

Drawdown EcoChallenge

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/food-agriculture-and-land-use#:~:text=SUPPORT%20INDIGENOUS%20PEOPLES%27%20LAND%20MANAGEMENT

Native Land Digital

https://native-land.ca/

Sustainable intensification practices such as pest management, crop diversification, and capacity building can increase per-hectare agricultural productivity for smallholders. This in theory reduces the need to clear additional land. For More Information, see Project Drawdown Sustainable Intensification for Smallholders Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/sustainable-intensification-for-smallholders

Regional Case study: Raising livestock on grasses or hay depends on receiving the right amount of rain at the right time of year. When a growing season is dry, crop insurance can make the difference between ranchers' financial success and failure.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/crop-insurance-smooths-income-fluctuations-ranchers-and-forage-farmers

Classroom-level action: Explore local food options

Description: Research local producers in your areas. Learn about CSA options, local farmers markets, food co-ops, food rescue, local foraging groups, or gardening.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown Ecochallenge support local food systems https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/food-agriculture-and-land-use#:~:text=SUPPORT%20LOCAL%20FOOD%20SYSTEMS

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition National Guide to Finding Local Food

https://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/national-guide-to-finding-local-food/

Green roofs use soil and vegetation as insulation. Cool roofs reflect sunlight. Both reduce building energy use for heating and/or cooling. For More Information, see Project Drawdown Green and Cool Roofs Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/green-and-cool-roofs

Regional Case Study: Explore on-the-ground examples of communities improving pedestrian and bicycle networks as co-benefits to building resilience.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/realizing-co-benefits-multimodal-roadway-design-and-gray-and-green-infrastructure

Classroom-level action: Tour a green roof

Description: Set up a visit or a virtual tour of a green roof in your city and ask about the codes and processes for installing a green roof.

Supporting Resources:

Greenroofs.com map of green roofs around the world

https://www.greenroofs.com/projects/

Drawdown Ecochallenge buildings actions  https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/buildings#:~:text=ONE%2DTIME%20ACTION-,TOUR%20A%20GREEN%20ROOF,-GREEN%20AND%20COOL

Conservation agriculture uses cover crops, crop rotation, and minimal tilling to produce annual crops. It protects soil, avoids emissions, and sequesters carbon.

For more information, see Drawdown Conservation Agriculture solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/conservation-agriculture

Regional Case Study: Precise Soil, Climate, and Weather Data Help Dairy Optimize Water Use

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/precise-soil-climate-and-weather-data-help-dairy-optimize-water-use

Classroom-Level Action: Host A Conservation Farmer

Description: Invite a local farmer who uses conservation farming methods to speak about conservation farming techniques.

Supporting Resources:

Conservation Agriculture - Food and Agriculture Organization

https://www.fao.org/conservation-agriculture/en/

Drip and sprinkler irrigation, among other practices and technologies, make farm water use less energy/fuel intensive and conserve significant amounts of freshwater.

For more information, see Drawdown Farm Irrigation Efficiency Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/farm-irrigation-efficiency

Regional Case Study: Managing Water for Irrigated Agriculture in the Central Arizona Desert

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/managing-water-irrigated-agriculture-central-arizona-desert

Classroom-Level Action: Create A Xeriscape Garden

Description: Outdoor irrigation is the single largest residential use of water in the US. Replacing grass lawn areas and other irrigation-dependent landscapes with drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation can reduce the amount of water needed to maintain a landscape.

Supporting Resource: Resource Central - https://resourcecentral.org/xeriscaping-in-colorado-a-step-by-step-guide/

Like forests and peatlands, coastal wetlands are subject to severe degradation. Restoring mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It also enhances their ability to support biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. For more information, see Drawdown Coastal Restoration: https://drawdown.org/solutions/coastal-wetland-restoration

Regional Case Study: As sea level rises, wetlands and marshes must move inland, or drown. The Sonoma Land Trust is using innovative strategies to restore and enhance marshlands and the ecosystems they support.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/saving-tidal-marshes-san-francisco-bay

Classroom-level action: Visit the Coast

Description: I will visit a coastal or ocean site to experience the ecosystem and the health of the coast.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge Coastal, Ocean, And Engineered Sinks Solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/coastal-ocean-and-engineered-sinks#:~:text=DAILY%20ACTION-,VISIT%20THE%20COAST,-MACROALGAE%20PROTECTION%20AND

Distributed energy storage is an essential enabling technology for many solutions. Microgrids, net zero buildings, grid flexibility, and rooftop solar all depend on or are amplified by the use of dispersed storage systems, which facilitate uptake of renewable energy and avert the expansion of coal, oil, and gas electricity generation. Adoption of distributed storage is different for urban and rural settings. For more information, see Drawdown Distributed Energy Storage solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/distributed-energy-storage

Regional Case Study: New battery capacity in the form of battery energy storage (BES) units was a key difference-maker that contributed, along with demand response, to preventing blackouts during California's extreme heatwave in September 2022.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/how-new-battery-capacity-helped-california-avoid-another-blackout

Classroom-Level Action: Calculate My Household Carbon Footprint

Description: Calculate the carbon emissions associated with your household and consider how different lifestyle choices could reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge electricity solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/electricity#:~:text=CALCULATE%20MY%20HOUSEHOLD%20CARBON%20FOOTPRINT

Secure land tenure protects Indigenous peoples' rights. With sovereignty, traditional practices can continue—in turn protecting ecosystems and carbon sinks and preventing emissions from deforestation. For more information, see Drawdown Indigenous Peoples' Forest Tenure Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/indigenous-peoples-forest-tenure

Regional Case Study: With valuable cultural and dietary assets at risk from sea level rise, this Pacific Northwest Tribe developed a plan to identify community adaptation priorities and concerns, and charted a course of action to address them.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/jamestown-s%E2%80%99klallam-tribe-plans-change-olympic-peninsula

Incorporating elders' wisdom in the process of systematically analyzing climate impacts and vulnerabilities in nine categories of tribal life prioritizes actions to take to enhance the evolution of an ancient culture, while protecting tribal traditions.https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/confederated-salish-and-kootenai-tribes-applying-values-taught-our-ancestors

Classroom-level action: Learn About Local Indigenous Communities

Description: Learn how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land and ways to support indigenous people's land management.

Supporting Resource:

Native Land Digital- Learn about the native peoples in your region.

https://native-land.ca/

Improving infrastructure resilience involves upgrading critical infrastructure like transportation and energy systems to be more resistant to extreme weather events and sea-level rise. By investing in resilient infrastructure, communities can reduce damage and ensure essential services remain reliable in a changing climate. For More Information, see Drawdown Grid Flexibility Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/grid-flexibility

Regional Case Study: Civil Engineers in the City of Portland, Oregon relate how they used data and customized design storms to stress-test the city's stormwater sewer system.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/throw-away-your-crystal-ball-stress-testing-approach-infrastructure-planning-under

Classroom-level action: Develop an Emergency Response Plan for Weather Hazards

Description: Research, develop, and implement emergency response plans to better prepare for climate-related hazards.

Supporting Resources:

US Department of Education, Preparing for Floods at K-12 Schools and School Districts

https://rems.ed.gov/docs/K12FloodFactSheet_508C.pdf

California Fire

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/wildfire-action-plan/

Agriculture, development, and natural disasters have degraded many coastal wetlands. Restoring mangrove forests, salt marshes, and seagrass beds to health revives carbon sequestration and improves coastal resilience. For more information, see Project Drawdown Coastal Wetland Restoration solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/coastal-wetland-restoration

Regional Case Study: For many decades, farmers built low walls or dikes across coastal wetlands in Oregon to extend their farmland. Now, efforts to restore wetlands and prepare for sea level rise require information about where these dikes are and who is responsible for them.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/preparing-sea-level-rise-estuaries-along-oregon-coast

Classroom-level action: Visit the coast

Description: I will visit a coastal or ocean site to experience the ecosystem and the health of the coast.

Supporting Resource:

Drawdown EcoChallenge Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks Solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/coastal-ocean-and-engineered-sinks#:~:text=DAILY%20ACTION-,VISIT%20THE%20COAST,-MACROALGAE%20PROTECTION%20AND

Improved fisheries involves reforming and improving the management of wild-capture fisheries to reduce excess effort, overcapitalization and overfishing. This can reduce fuel usage and rebuild fish populations, enhancing carbon sequestration. For more information, see Project Drawdown Improved Fisheries: https://drawdown.org/solutions/improved-fisheries

Regional Case Study: Researchers in Washington's South Fork Nooksack River are seeking to better understand the potential impacts of climate change on water quality and salmon recovery—a process they hope can be replicated and scaled in other watersheds across the country.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/how-vulnerable-are-salmon-changing-climate

Classroom-level action: Smart Seafood Choices

Description: I will research how seafood is harvested and commit to making better seafood choices for a healthier ocean.

Supporting Resource:

Drawdown EcoChallenge Coastal, Ocean, and Engineered Sinks Solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/coastal-ocean-and-engineered-sinks#:~:text=SMART%20SEAFOOD%20CHOICES

Secure land tenure protects Indigenous peoples' rights. With sovereignty, traditional practices can continue—in turn protecting ecosystems and carbon sinks and preventing emissions from deforestation. For more information, see Drawdown Indigenous Peoples' Forest Tenure solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/indigenous-peoples-forest-tenure

Regional Case Study: Incorporating elders' wisdom in the process of systematically analyzing climate impacts and vulnerabilities in nine categories of tribal life prioritizes actions to take to enhance the evolution of an ancient culture while protecting tribal traditions.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/confederated-salish-and-kootenai-tribes-applying-values-taught-our-ancestors

Classroom-level action: Learn About Local Indigenous Communities

Description: Learn how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land and ways to support indigenous people's land management.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge food, agriculture, and land use solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/food-agriculture-and-land-use

Livestock manure produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Advanced technologies and practices for managing manure can reduce the adverse climate impact of animal agriculture. For more information, see Drawdown Improved Manure Management solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/improved-manure-management

Regional Case Study: Beef producers shared their collective experiences with past weather, and then considered the future. This engagement strategy increased producers' value for incorporating climate into their management strategies.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/starting-climate-conversation-using-scenario-planning-promote-resilience-beef

Classroom-level action: Explore Cattle Production in Your Community

Description: Talk to local ranchers and grocers about what practices are used to produce their meat products.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge food, agriculture, and land use solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/food-agriculture-and-land-use

Conservation agriculture uses cover crops, crop rotation, and minimal tilling to produce annual crops. It protects soil, avoids emissions, and sequesters carbon. For more information, see Drawdown Conservation Agriculture solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/conservation-agriculture

Regional Case Study: Implementing no-till agriculture in Montana

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d8f366c63efe4a7f9cc8a4bed7a0db49

Classroom-level action: Explore local food options

Description: Research local producers in your areas. Learn about CSA options, local farmers markets, food co-ops, food rescue, local foraging groups, or gardening.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown Ecochallenge support local food systems https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/food-agriculture-and-land-use#:~:text=SUPPORT%20LOCAL%20FOOD%20SYSTEMS

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition National Guide to Finding Local Food

https://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/national-guide-to-finding-local-food/

Drip and sprinkler irrigation, among other practices and technologies, make farm water use less energy/fuel intensive and conserve significant amounts of freshwater. For more information, see Drawdown Farm Irrigation Efficiency Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/farm-irrigation-efficiency

Regional Case Study: For irrigated crops, knowing when and how much water to apply has long been a matter of experience and guesswork. In a changing climate, new technology can reduce this uncertainty, enabling farmers to make every drop of water count.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/precise-soil-climate-and-weather-data-help-dairy-optimize-water-use

Classroom-level action: Assess your school's water usage and brainstorm ways to reduce it

Description: Brainstorm the ways your school uses water, then think of ways that usage could be reduced.

Supporting Resources:

Water footprint calculator

https://www.watercalculator.org/wfc2/q/household/

EPA guide for reducing water in educational facilities

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/types-facilities#:~:text=best%20management%20practices.-,Educational%20Facilities,-Approximately%20six%20percent

Implement water-saving measures

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/region1/eco/drinkwater/water_conservation_schools.html#:~:text=To%20reduce%20water%20use%20in,reduce%20water%20use%20during%20showers

Onshore wind turbines generate electricity at a utility scale, comparable to power plants. They replace fossil fuels with emissions-free electricity. For more information, see Drawdown Onshore Wind Turbines solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/onshore-wind-turbines

Regional Case Study: After 90 percent of the town was damaged or destroyed by a tornado, Greensburg, Kansas, and Kiowa County Memorial Hospital developed a Long-Term Community Recovery plan to rebuild for resilience.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/following-devastating-tornado-town-and-hospital-rebuild-harness-wind-energy

Classroom-level action: Use Google Earth to find good wind farm locations

Description: Use Google Earth to compile data on average wind speed, topography, and land cover for possible wind farm sites near you.

Supporting Resources:

CLEAN selected lesson - Wind Energy: Exploring Wind Farms with Google Earth

https://cleanet.org/resources/45598.html

Conservation agriculture uses cover crops, crop rotation, and minimal tilling to produce annual crops. It protects soil, avoids emissions, and sequesters carbon. For more information, see Drawdown Conservation Agriculture solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/conservation-agriculture

Regional Case Study: To manage their businesses successfully, farmers and food production companies need to know what crops are in the ground and how well they are growing. A pair of easy-to-use online mapping tools provides this information for growing seasons in the past and present.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/browser-based-tools-show-current-and-historical-crop-cover-and-health

Classroom-level action: Tend a garden

Description: Create a classroom garden, or a plan for one. Research how to develop a resilient garden for your region including what garden species grow well and are native.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge food, agriculture, and land use solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/food-agriculture-and-land-use#:~:text=ONE%2DTIME%20ACTION-,TEND%20A%20GARDEN,-CONSERVATION%20AGRICULTURE

Description: Individuals and communities can adopt water-saving practices, creatpromotinge emergency response plans, and implement sustainable land management strategies to mitigate drought impacts.

Regional Case Study: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's storymap contains case studies and videos that describe the experiences of small and medium-sized drinking water utilities that successfully responded to drought. Explore the story of Clinton, OK.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/drought-response-and-recovery-project-water-utilities-clinton-ok

Classroom-level action: Use the drought management database to find solutions

Description: The drought management database has a growing collection of information for responding to and preparing for drought. The information is organized into eight sectors that organize the information based on area of interest.

Supporting Resources:

National Drought Mitigation Center, Drought Management Database

https://drought.unl.edu/Droughtmanagement/Home.aspx

Planting trees and creating green spaces in cities can significantly reduce urban heat island effects, lowering temperatures and decreasing energy consumption for cooling. These green areas also improve air quality by filtering pollutants, enhance carbon sequestration, and promoting biodiversity, contributing to climate resilience and overall well-being in urban environments.

Regional Case Study: Once a defunct golf course, Exploration Green is now a 200-acre urban green space providing the community with an innovative solution for their stormwater flooding and recreational needs.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/innovative-green-infrastructure-project-has-diverse-funding-and-financing-portfolio

Classroom-level action: Plant trees and vegetation

Description: Planting native trees and vegetation can reduce the heat trapping capacity of landscapes. Trees and vegetation can provide shade and natural cooling to environments.

Supporting resources:

EPA, Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands

https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands

Agriculture, development, and natural disasters have degraded many coastal wetlands. Restoring mangrove forests, salt marshes, and seagrass beds to health revives carbon sequestration. For more information, see Project Drawdown Coastal Wetland Restoration solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/coastal-wetland-restoration

Regional Case Study: To restore function in a degraded but historically, culturally, and ecologically important watershed on O'ahu's Eastern Coast, The Nature Conservancy worked closely with local partners and used an adaptive management approach to ensure successful wetland restoration.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/nature-conservancy-%E2%80%94-wetlands-restoration-ecosystem-and-community-resilience-he%E2%80%99eia-o

Classroom-level action: Visit the coast

Description: Visit a coastal or ocean site to experience the ecosystem and the health of the coast.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge coastal, ocean, and engineered sinks solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/coastal-ocean-and-engineered-sinks#:~:text=ADVOCATE%20FOR%20WETLAND%20PROTECTION

Vast amounts of carbon stored in seafloor sediments risk release by bottom-trawling fishing. Bottom-trawling bans and establishment of Marine Protected Areas can protect this important carbon sink. For more information, see Project Drawdown Seafloor Protection solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/seafloor-protection

Regional Case Study: Coral reefs off the west coast of Maui are readily accessible and heavily used by visitors and locals alike. Managers needed a plan to boost the resilience of the reefs so they could continue providing critical habitat for marine species.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/protecting-fish-save-coral-reefs

Classroom-level action: Research Bottom-Trawling Seafloor Impacts

Description: Encourage students to learn more about how bottom-trawling impacts on the seafloor.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge coastal, ocean, and engineered sinks solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/coastal-ocean-and-engineered-sinks#:~:text=RESEARCH%20BOTTOM%2DTRAWLING%20SEAFLOOR%20IMPACTS

Flood preparedness is crucial for minimizing the loss of life and property damage during flood events. It ensures that communities are better equipped to respond quickly and effectively, reducing the long-term impacts on infrastructure, economy, and public health.

Regional Case Study: Preparing for La Niña- O'ahu's busy construction industry depends on being able to dispose of demolition and construction wastes. Forecasts for a developing La Niña—often accompanied by heavy rains in Hawai'i—alerted managers at the island's main construction landfill to their climate vulnerability.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/preparing-la-ni%C3%B1a

Classroom-level action: Build green infrastructure to help reduce runoff and stormwater flows that could exceed system capacities

Description: Implement bioretention areas such as rain gardens and swales (depressions to capture water) and install vegetation or pervious materials instead of impervious surfaces

Supporting Resources:

Camden SMART Initiative's Completed Projects

http://www.camdensmart.com/projects.html

Camden Planting: Brimm School example

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151348177313273.539322.400311073272&type=3

Schools and communities can enhance their resilience to drought and water scarcity by implementing water-saving measures.

Regional Case Study: Collaborating for Success: Sustaining Water Supply on a Pacific Island- As El Niño can bring severe drying conditions to the islands of American Samoa, groups collaborated to ensure that decision makers have access to the local climate and water data they need to recognize—and prepare for—the threat of drought.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/collaborating-success-sustaining-water-supply-pacific-island

Classroom-level action: Implement water conservation measures

Description: Schools can reduce their water usage by implementing water-saving measures such as low-flow fixtures and quickly fixing water leaks.

Supporting Resources:

EPA Water Conservation Tips for Schools

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/region1/eco/drinkwater/water_conservation_schools.html#:~:text=To%20reduce%20water%20use%20in,reduce%20water%20use%20during%20showers.

Improved fisheries involves reforming and improving the management of wild-capture fisheries to reduce excess effort, overcapitalization and overfishing. This can reduce fuel usage and rebuild fish populations, enhancing carbon sequestration. For more information, see Project Drawdown Improved Fisheries Solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/improved-fisheries

Regional Case Study: Tribal communities in southeastern Alaska are partnering with federal and state agencies to investigate increasing frequency, duration, and extent of harmful algal bloom events that pose human health risks to subsistence harvesters.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/alaskan-tribes-join-together-assess-harmful-algal-blooms

Classroom-Level Action: Talk With A Local Grocer

Description: I will ask my local seafood market or grocery store if their seafood is sustainable.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge food, agriculture, and land use solutions

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/food-agriculture-and-land-use#:~:text=TALK%20WITH%20A%20LOCAL%20GROCER

Mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses sequester huge amounts of carbon in plants and soil. Protecting them inhibits degradation and safeguards their carbon sinks. For more information, see Project Drawdown Coastal Wetland Protection solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/coastal-wetland-protection

Regional Case Study: The Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery in Seward, Alaska, is collaborating with federal and academic partners to measure the impacts of ocean acidification on shellfish and develop possible adaptation strategies.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/building-resilience-face-ocean-acidification

Classroom-level action: Classroom-level action: Visit the coast

Description: Visit a coastal or ocean site to experience the ecosystem and the health of the coast.

Supporting Resource:

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/coastal-ocean-and-engineered-sinks#:~:text=ADVOCATE%20FOR%20WETLAND%20PROTECTION

Secure land tenure protects Indigenous peoples' rights. With sovereignty, traditional practices can continue protecting ecosystems and carbon sinks and preventing emissions from deforestation. For more information, see Drawdown Indigenous Peoples' Forest Tenure solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/indigenous-peoples-forest-tenure

Regional Case Study: Community-focused gardening takes root in Alaska

https://ictnews.org/news/community-focused-gardening-takes-root-in-alaska?redir=1

Classroom-level action: Host a Speaker Series

Description:  Invite Indigenous elders and community leaders to speak about their traditional ecological knowledge and its application in climate adaptation. This can provide students with firsthand accounts and deepen their understanding of TEK.

Supporting Resources:

Alaska Native Peoples

https://nativefederation.org/alaska-native-peoples/

First Alaskans Institute

https://www.firstalaskans.org/

Engage in proactive relocation efforts for at-risk communities, preemptively identifying vulnerable areas and facilitating planned transitions to safer locations.

Regional Case Study: Relocating the Native Village of Shishmaref, Alaska Due to Coastal Erosion

https://www.cakex.org/case-studies/relocating-native-village-shishmaref-alaska-due-coastal-erosion

Classroom-level action: Think proactively

Description: Evaluate which communities are at risk from climate-related hazards. For these communities, imagine what an effective relocation plan might look like.

Supporting Resource: 

National Academies

https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2024/01/recovery-agencies-should-proactively-plan-for-community-relocation-before-and-after-climate-disasters-says-new-report

Coasts are subject to severe degradation from climate change. Restoring coasts can provide protection and reduce flooding for communities at risk. For more information, see Drawdown coastal wetland restoration solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/coastal-wetland-restoration

Regional Case Study: Learn from Dr. Robert J. Mayer, Director of Vida Marina, about innovative restoration techniques used to create resilient dune systems that provide protection from coastal storms.

https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/training/puerto-rico.html

Classroom-level actions: Create a flood plan for your school

Description: Research the risk of floods for your school and create a plan for how your school can prepare and respond in the case of a flood.

Supporting Resources:

US Department of Education, Preparing for Floods at K-12 Schools and School Districts

https://rems.ed.gov/docs/K12FloodFactSheet_508C.pdf

Coasts are subject to severe degradation from climate change that puts many ecosystems at risk. Coastal wetland protection is an important climate change mitigation strategy. For more information, see Drawdown coastal wetland protection solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/coastal-wetland-protection

Regional Case Study: The community of Culebra in Puerto Rico is taking action to protect their coast from further stress.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/community-effort-stems-runoff-safeguard-corals-puerto-rico

Classroom-level action: Protect Marine Areas & Macroalgae / Seaweed

Description: Research and contact public officials to advocate for coastal protection in your community.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown EcoChallenge

https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/coastal-ocean-and-engineered-sinks#:~:text=PROTECT%20MARINE%20AREAS%20%26%20MACROALGAE%20/%20SEAWEED%20%2D%20CONTACT%20PUBLIC%20OFFICIALS

Standalone batteries and electric vehicles store energy. They can enable 24/7 electricity supply even when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. For more information, see Drawdown distributed energy storage solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/distributed-energy-storage

Regional Case Study: Aquifer Storage and Recovery: A Strategy for Long-Term Water Security in Puerto Rico - A unique, relatively low-cost project can serve as a model for long-term water security strategies across the Caribbean.

https://toolkit.climate.gov/case-studies/aquifer-storage-and-recovery-strategy-long-term-water-security-puerto-rico

Classroom-level action: Learn about how solar power can support hot water systems

Description: Research how solar hot water systems can reduce electricity needs and how you can reduce water usage at school and at home.

Supporting Resources:

Drawdown Solar Hot Water

https://drawdown.org/solutions/solar-hot-water

Milken Institute School of Public Health - How to Create an Energy Efficient Home

https://onlinepublichealth.gwu.edu/how-to-reduce-climate-change/#home

Heat pumps extract heat from the air and transfer it from indoors to out for cooling, or from outdoors to in for heating. With high-efficiency, they can dramatically lower building energy use. For more information, see Drawdown High-efficiency Heat Pumps solution: https://drawdown.org/solutions/high-efficiency-heat-pumps

Regional Case Study: Residents of the Carolinas are familiar with hot summers, but in some areas excessive heat events bring a higher risk for heat-related illness–and even death. A new tool can help local communities get ahead of heat events so they can reduce risk for their residents. (While this case study is not from the region, the problem and solutions are applicable)

https://www.adaptationclearinghouse.org/resources/adapting-to-urban-heat-a-tool-kit-for-local-governments.html

Classroom-level action: Plant trees and vegetation

Description: Planting native trees and vegetation can reduce the heat trapping capacity of landscapes. Trees and vegetation can provide shade and natural cooling to environments.

Supporting resources:

EPA - Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands: https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands

Diagram showing how heat impacts can be reduced without electricity: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Natural-cooling-in-Caribbean-traditional-houses-with-openwork-structure-built-on-stilts_fig5_276936877

Description: Use Floodsmart guide to choose actions that you can do around home and at school to reduce the risk and impact of flooding.

Supporting Resource:

FEMA and The National Flood Insurance Program

https://www.floodsmart.gov/ 

Description: Implement bio-retention areas such as rain gardens and swales (depressions to capture water) and install vegetation or previous materials instead of impervious surfaces

Supporting Resources:

Camden SMART Initiative's Completed Projects http://www.camdensmart.com/projects.html

Camden Planting: Brimm School example https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151348177313273.539322.400311073272&type=3 

Description: Localized flooding can be mitigated by ensuring storm drains are free of debris. Spend a class period cleaning trash and clearing debris from roadside ditches, curbs, and drainage grates.

Supporting Resource:

Adopt-A-Drain, Camden NJ

http://www.camdencollaborative.com/adopt-a-drain.html

Description: Research the risk of floods for your school and create a plan for how your school can prepare and respond in the case of a flood.

Supporting Resource:

US Department of Education, Preparing for Floods at K-12 Schools and School Districts

https://rems.ed.gov/docs/K12FloodFactSheet_508C.pdf

Description: Use Eco-Healing report to create a local plan for providing assistance to students who are affected by wildfires through nature-based programs.

Supporting Resource:

Growing Up Boulder

https://www.growingupboulder.org/eco-healing-with-youth.html

Description: Use information from the pdf to learn more about forest fires and solutions that have been implemented across the nation.

Supporting Resource:

The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions https://www.c2es.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/resilience-strategies-for-wildfire.pdf

Description: Assess your school's risk for wildfires and create a plan about how your school should prepare and respond.

Supporting Resource:

California Fire*

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/wildfire-action-plan/

*Can be used nationally where there is a high fire risk

Description: Develop a comprehensive plan to manage and reduce flammable vegetation and materials around your school to minimize wildfire risk. This includes regular maintenance activities such as clearing brush, pruning trees, and safely storing combustibles to create a defensible space and enhance overall safety.

Supporting Resource:

U.S. Department of the Interior

https://www.doi.gov/wildlandfire/fuels

Description: The drought management database has a growing collection of information for responding to and preparing for drought. The information is organized into eight sectors that organize the information based on area of interest.

Supporting Resource:

University of Nebraska

https://drought.unl.edu/Droughtmanagement/Home.aspx 

Description: Use the EPA's guide for reducing water in educational facilities and have students find ways to improve their water usage at school.

Supporting Resource:

EPA, Watersense

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/types-facilities#:~:text=best%20management%20practices.-,Educational%20Facilities,-Approximately%20six%20percent   

Description: Schools can reduce their water usage by implementing water-saving measures such as low-flow fixtures and quickly fixing water leaks.

Supporting Resource:

EPA, Water Conservation Tips for Schools https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/region1/eco/drinkwater/water_conservation_schools.html#:~:text=To%20reduce%20water%20use%20in,reduce%20water%20use%20during%20showers.  

Description: watering lawns and gardens in the early morning or evening minimizes evaporation. Using an irrigation timer can facilitate watering during the most efficient times.

Supporting Resource:

EPA, When it's Hot

 https://www.epa.gov/watersense/when-its-hot  

Description: Outdoor irrigation is the single largest residential use of water in the US. Replacing grass lawn areas and other irrigation-dependent landscapes with drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation can reduce the amount of water needed to maintain a landscape.

Supporting Resource:

Resource Central

https://resourcecentral.org/xeriscaping-in-colorado-a-step-by-step-guide/

Description: Brainstorm the ways your school uses water, then think of ways that usage could be reduced.

Supporting Resources:

Water footprint calculator

https://www.watercalculator.org/wfc2/q/household/

EPA guide for reducing water in educational facilities

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/types-facilities#:~:text=best%20management%20practices.-,Educational%20Facilities,-Approximately%20six%20percent

Implement water-saving measures

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/region1/eco/drinkwater/water_conservation_schools.html#:~:text=To%20reduce%20water%20use%20in,reduce%20water%20use%20during%20showers  

Description: Installing rainwater harvesting systems such as rain barrels and cisterns to collect runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs, driveways, and parking areas can provide water for non-potable uses. Make sure rainwater harvesting is allowed in your municipality.

Supporting Resource:

Innovative Water Solutions

https://www.watercache.com/education/rainwater-harvesting-101

Description: Planting native trees and vegetation can reduce the heat trapping capacity of landscapes. Trees and vegetation can provide shade and natural cooling to environments.

Supporting Resource:

EPA, Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands  

Description: green roofs, white roofs, and more reflective roofing helps to reduce the absorption of heat in the environment. Using Native and drought tolerant plants reduces water requirements. Design a plan to implement green or cool roof technology on your school and present that plan to school officials for consideration.

Supporting Resource:

EPA, Using Green Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands

https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-green-roofs-reduce-heat-islands

Description: Shade infrastructure is important in urban regions to reduce the adverse impacts of heat exposure. Take a field trip to observe how features in the city provide shade or reduce heat.

Supporting Resource:

UNEP, Beating the Heat: A Sustainable Cooling Handbook for Cities

https://www.unep.org/resources/report/beating-heat-sustainable-cooling-handbook-cities

Description: Utilize shade infrastructure and other natural features to reduce heat and keep children safe from injury.

Supporting Resource:

Texas A&M University

https://geonews.tamu.edu/news/2020/12/vecellio-safe-playgrounds-report-release.php

Description: Set up a visit or a virtual tour of a green roof in your city and ask about the codes and process for installing a green roof.

Supporting Resources:

Greenroofs, Map Of Green Roofs Around The World

https://www.greenroofs.com/projects/

Drawdown EcoChallenge Buildings Actions  https://drawdown.ecochallenge.org/challenges/buildings#:~:text=ONE%2DTIME%20ACTION-,TOUR%20A%20GREEN%20ROOF,-GREEN%20AND%20COOL

Description: Design a comprehensive strategy outlining the transformation of your school into a cooling center, addressing logistics, resource allocation, and community outreach. Present the plan to school administrators, highlighting its potential to provide essential relief during heatwaves and foster a stronger sense of community resilience.

Supporting Resource:

EPA, Healthy School Environments

https://www.epa.gov/schools/schools-cleaner-air-and-cooling-centers-tips-facility-managers-principals-teachers-and