Climate Change Resources
PDFs of selected resources:
Climate Indicators-Cayuga Lake 2021.pdf
This is a brief 1 page handout (published by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network in 2021) that summarizes key aspects of climate change already affecting the watershed, and observed impacts on infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities and socioeconomics.
Lakeside Living in a Changing Climate 2019.pdf
This 23 page booklet (published in 2020 by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network) provides a guide for lakeside residents on ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the home. It also discusses ways to minimize runoff of sediment and fertilizers into the lake through lawn and landscape management, shoreline protection, and proper septic system design and maintenance.
Watershed Living in a Changing Climate.pdf
This 31 page booklet (published in 2021 by Cayuga Lake Watershed Network) includes and builds on information found in the “Lakeside Living” booklet, but with additional material aimed at the many watershed residents who do not live on or near the lake. There are sections on protecting ditches and natural tributaries to the lake from home runoff and wastewater, and a unique section with details on stream and public access points in all counties that are part of the watershed. There also is a section on notable hiking trails and contacts for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking.
Community Neighborliness, Networking and Resilience Resources (MS Word format, PDF format)
Many agencies, community groups and municipalities across NY State and at the national level offer advice and assistance for dealing with extreme weather and climate change. This report brings some of that information together in one place for people to use. This 13-page resource guide was assembled by former CLWN Executive Director Hilary Lambert with input from many others. This project was is made possible with generous support from the Community Foundation of Tompkins County.
NOAA-Climate Summaries/NY 2017.pdf
This 5 page report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides useful data and graphics regarding recent and projected climate change in New York.
Climate Justice Yale 2021.pdf
This 2-page article by the Yale University climate program provides a very clear and informative explanation of what is meant by “climate justice”, with some specific examples.
Climate-Smart Farming: Six Strategies
This 4 page fact sheet from the Cornell Climate-Smart Farming program describes useful strategies for farmers to adapt to (i.e., cope with) climate change impacts, and also reduce their “carbon footprint” and contribute to slowing the pace of climate change.
Links to other useful websites:
NOAA Northeast Regional Climate Center The authoritative source for detailed meteorological records from NOAA weather stations in the Cayuga Lake watershed and throughout the Northeast. Includes data summaries and analyses for different regions, blog reports, and useful resources on climate change in the region.
New York State Climate Office-Department of Environmental Conservation, DEC Many excellent resources and data focused on evidence of climate change in NY, impacts, and what individuals and government programs are doing about it.
Lake Friendly Living Provides resources and 12 strategies homeowners in the Cayuga Lake Watershed can take to protect water quality in watershed, and a simple “pledge” individuals can take to get started.
Solar Tompkins In addition to information about solar, this site includes resources about many home energy efficiency and renewable energy options, including geothermal (heat pumps) and other alternatives. Economic incentives that are available in the region are also explained.
Sustainable Tompkins In addition to news and resources, this site has information for opportunities to become engaged in various community efforts focused on sustainability. This organization also organizes the Finger Lakes Energy Challenge and Finger Lakes Climate Fund.
Climate Smart Farming Cornell resources and tools for farmers regarding adaptation and mitigation options. Also, YouTube videos of farmers discussing climate change can be found here.
