Changing Planet - Science360 - The Knowledge Network

Changing Planet

NBC Learn, in partnership with the National Science Foundation, explores the impact that climate change is having on our planet. From Bermuda's tropical seas to the Arctic Ocean, this 12-part series looks at places around the world where scientists are observing the dramatic impacts of climate change. For related lesson plans, visit the Windows to the Universe project at the National Earth Science Teachers Association.

Disappearing Lizards
Lizards' changing methods of survival give insight into climatic flucuations

Coral Reefs

Rising water temperatures and coral reef lifecycles

Grapevines And Drought

Researching how different varities of grapes respond to climatic changes

Changing Planet Town Hall At GW University
A panel of experts gather at George Washington University to discuss how America can be transitioned away from traditional energy sources and towards a green economy

Changing Planet Town Hall at Arizona State University
A panel of experts on climate gather at Arizona State University to discuss how we can develop better, more sustainable water practices

Changing Planet Town Hall At Yale University
A panel of experts on climate gather at Yale University to discuss how climate change is affecting human health, economic opportunity and competitiveness and moral and religious values, as well as how young people are getting involved in finding solutions

Changing Mosquito Genes
The genes of the pitcher plant mosquitos are adapting rapidly to climatic changes in its habitat

Bark Beetle Outbreaks
Millions of pine trees are dying in western North America, all due to a beetle about the size of a grain of rice

Adaptation Of Butterflies
The butterfly is like a "canary in a coal mine" when it comes to climate change

Rising Sea Levels

The levels of bodies of water are on the rise

Ocean Acidification
Higher carbon dioxide levels causing trouble for marine life

Withering Crops
Studying the environmental stress limits of crops

Ocean Temperatures
BIOS studies the global impacts of rising ocean temperatures

Black Carbon
Soot from black carbon causing health and environmental concerns

Lake Temperatures
Lake ecosystems in both high and low latitudes being affected by rising water temperatures

Melting Mountain Glaciers

Glaciers shrinking in response to climatic changes

Thawing Permafrost
Thawing permafrost could raise global temperatures

Infectious Diseases
Infectious disease could be on the rise alongside with climate change

Fresh Water In The Arctic
Tracking the movement of fresh water through the Arctic

Survival Of Trees

Understanding how trees of the past chose to adapt to climatic changes, Dr. Joy Ward is able to predict how trees might adapt to climatic changes in the future