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Changes in our climate are driven by many factors — including rising greenhouse gas emissions, shifting weather patterns, and land-use changes. While large institutions and governments play a major role in slowing climate change, individuals and communities can also make a meaningful difference by reducing their daily carbon use.

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According to research from the U.S.D.A.  Forest Service, the tree species that we focus on in the Forest Sentinels Project are unlikely to adapt to the speed and scale of climate change in our region. The agency reports that forest ecosystems in the U.S. “will shift in composition” as species face altered temperature, moisture and disturbance regimes. In other words: some familiar trees may no longer thrive in the places where they have historically grown.  This might not sound like such a terrible thing, but what are southern Ohio forests without the Paw Paw, Buckeye, or Shellbark "King" Hickory? 

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While it is unrealistic to expect any one person to stop climate change single-handedly, slowing down the rate of change is possible. By lowering our carbon footprints — and by influencing organizations and policies to do the same — individuals, groups, and nations can create positive momentum to change the course of our shared history.  The resources below provide practical ways that you can reduce your own carbon footprint.