Mainers from every corner of the state are stepping up to the climate challenge. Practical, creative and trailblazing teachers, bus drivers, students, communities, recent graduates and professional athletes alike are taking action to get ahead of the climate curve. Read their stories.
You can take climate action and help scientists understand Maine’s changing climate by tracking observations from your own backyard. Citizen science, also referred to as community science, is a collaboration between scientists and everyday people to monitor things like water quality, storms, tides, temperatures, trail conditions, and more.
Anyone can participate with citizen science. Projects span different interests, locations and commitment levels. Introductory training is typically provided.
Spurred to roll up their sleeves by accelerating climate change risks, Dr. Lesley Fernow and four fellow Dover-Foxcroft residents formed the Climate Action Advisory Committee (CAAC) in August 2021. The group’s goal is to bring climate change awareness to the local selectboard and to the county decision-making process.
Dr. Sean Birkel’s interest in science started around age five when his parents bought him a telescope. Sean later became fascinated with Earth’s climate while taking an Ice Ages course at the University of Maine. The course also launched Sean’s journey to becoming a climate scientist.
Matt Damon, co-founder of Penobscot Home Performance, has crawled into basements, climbed into attics and inspected every inch of Maine homes for over fifteen years. He measures insulation, looks for air leaks or excess moisture and evaluates windows, doors and safety systems. His goal? To weatherize and make Maine homes warmer, drier, less costly to operate, comfortable - and more energy efficient.
Maine hit and surpassed many concerning climate change-related records in 2021, according to the Maine Climate Science Update published December 2021. Produced by the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STS) of the Maine Climate Council, the update provides a look at the latest climate science, notable climate news, and indicators linked with climate change over the past year.