The Sun

Photo Source: National Optical Astronomy Observatory The Sun is the ultimate source of the Earth’s energy, including its fossil fuel reserves, which are believed to have originated from ancient plant matter. Greenhouse gases produced by fossil fuel combustion and other sources are trapping more of the Sun’s heat in the upper atmosphere, changing the global energy balance. Indicators of local climate change may already be here—witness the eroding shorelines, invading species, arriving diseases, and fleeing insurers.

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Facts on Local Risks of Global Change
See Contributor’s Guide below.

Visions of Local Risks of Global Change
See Contributor’s Guide below.

Contributor’s Guide
A blazing sun is not the only indicator of the local risks associated with global climate change. Data, information, art, and photos are sought that address topics such as the ones listed below:

Facts on Local Risks of Global Change

• Sea level rise, coastal inundation, and aquifer infiltration
• Storm frequency and severity
• Health effects
• Economic impacts
• Ecosystem effects
• Your ideas?

Visions of Local Risks of Global Change

• Rising waters and flooded land
• Threatening storms and fleeing insurers
• Altered ecosystems
• Changed communities
• True costs
• Your ideas?

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Dirty Roof

Conventional asphalt shingles are
the cheapest roofing material around but, as is usually the case, there is a cost: They are manufactured using petroleum by-products and, once they reach the end of their useful life, they must be landfilled as construction debris or “downcycled” as road materials or in other low-value uses. Credit: Houston Advanced Research Center

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Current Vision

Green Roof

Thatching represents an attractive and sustainable roofing solution. This thatched roof, gracing a barn in Yarmouthport, transforms an invasive wetland plant (Phragmites sp.) into a useful, biodegradable shelter.

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