Climate Change
Climate Change is Here and Now
The widespread effects of global climate change pose a serious threat to humans and the environment, presenting us with the challenge and opportunity to adopt more climate-friendly measures. The Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) outlined the following climate trends for Wisconsin:
The last two decades were the warmest on record in Wisconsin. Wisconsin’s average daily temperature has become 3℉ warmer since 1950. This warming is happening fastest in the winter and at night.The last decade was the wettest on record in Wisconsin. Average precipitation increased by about 5 inches since 1950. Southern Wisconsin experienced the highest increase in precipitation.New analyses reaffirm previous projections that warmer and wetter trends will continue into the future, along with the increase in extreme weather events such as heat waves and intense rain events that can lead to flooding.
The increase in temperature and precipitation can have major impacts on Wisconsin’s landscape, infrastructure, and people. It is important to understand the impacts of climate change on these diverse spheres of the environment, so we can work towards finding solutions to mitigate and adapt to these changes.
Learn more about our programs and initiatives:
Local communities are key players in addressing climate change. An important part in planning is public engagement.
Extension educators can facilitate inclusive public engagement processes to bring community members together to implement the community’s vision.
Trees play an important role in addressing the climate crisis. They provide shade to reduce effects of extreme heat and combat climate change by capturing greenhouse gases. Extension educators are a part of the Tree Canopy Collaborative and working to maintain, protect, and expand tree canopy in Dane County.
The impacts of climate change can feel overwhelming, but there are a number of ways for everyone to take action.
This page has resources for businesses, schools, nonprofits, and individuals who are interested in mitigating green house gas emissions.
Check out our Climate Change Blog where Extension Educators present information about local and statewide climate impacts and issues.
Learn More About Climate Change:
Local government actions can play a vital role in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, and Extension supports these efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change. Learn more about the Dane County Climate Action Plan and other actions local governments are taking to address climate change.
The Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) is a statewide collaboration of scientists and stakeholders formed as a partnership between UW-Madison’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. WICCI’s goals are to evaluate climate change impacts on Wisconsin and foster solutions.
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El Departamento de Energía ha traducido algunos de nuestros recursos más populares de inglés a español, incluyendo videos, actividades y guías para consumidores y educadores de energía.
