This resource explains the general definition of climate change. It’s created by the Chicago Field Museum for Chicago-based residents but is very applicable here in Wisconsin. It explains the causes and impacts of climate change using words, pictures and graphs. Check out the bibliography on the last page to see some of the resources used to make this document.

• Read pages 6-15 (also listed as pg. 4-13 in gray on the pages) of Climate Change: In the Windy City and the World.  (The last page has plant hardiness zone maps on it. You can read the rest of the document if you wish, but the rest of the document is not required.)

Please watch Wisconsin Climate Trends and Projections, the first presentation in this video. You only need to watch until 22:40 for this Plants Plus. You are welcome to watch more if you are interested, but it is not required.

As you’re watching, pay attention to the aspects of a plant’s environment that are changing, such as temperature and rain fall.

• Video segment presented by Dr. Dan Vimont, Professor of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences; Director, Nelson Institute for Climatic Research, Co-Director, Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Changes Impacts
• Video segment is 22:40 minutes long.

Climate change is already affecting Wisconsin. Visit Climate Wisconsin to understand how the plants, people and plant-based industries that make up the fabric of our state are experiencing challenges and adjustments due to changing climate.

• Go to the Climate Wisconsin website.
• Watch the video and read the text on the page for each of the following:  Click on the picture tile to access the video and text. You can click the back button to go back to the main page to access all the climate stories.
  • Phenology
  • Sugaring
  • Forestry
  • Farming

Take this short quiz to show us what you learned!