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Green Schools. Eugene C. Cordero Department of Meteorology San Jose State University. Outline Global warming: Current status Solutions Greening your school, steps forward. Fragile: handle with care. Earth – Our Planet. Human Activities Can Intensify The Greenhouse Effect.
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Green Schools Eugene C. Cordero Department of Meteorology San Jose State University • Outline • Global warming: Current status • Solutions • Greening your school, steps forward
Fragile: handle with care Earth – Our Planet
Human Activities Can Intensify The Greenhouse Effect Transportation Utilities Industry Source: U.S. EPA State and Local Climate Change Outreach Kit, March 2000
CO2 over the last 1000 years Today
` Svalbard, Norway (79ºN)
Temperature through to 2100 3-10ºF warmer
Prudence Solutions Foresight (or wisdom) that leads to the avoidance of danger or error.
The Design of Effective Solutions Government Emission targets/regulations Technology Advances/ innovations Education Society’s awareness of personal connection
Local solutions that inspire and educate • Pollution and greenhouse gas reductions • Bike/walk to school • Energy efficiency • Recycling and reducing waste • Zero Waste, Gardens and Compost • Develop green guidelines for the school • Incorporate existing environmental programs into curriculum.
Walking and biking to school… • Promote healthy and active lifestyle • Use resources from national Safe Routes to Schools • Help promote community
Promoting energy efficiency • Energy efficient classrooms • Lighting, computers etc. • Increase use of renewable energy
Reducing waste • Establish a commitment towards ‘Zero Waste’ • recycling centers and reduction of paper use • Work towards eliminating styrofoam/plastic from school • Develop educational experience around gardens (compost)
Challenges and opportunities • Financial • Green solutions often cost more initially…but may save money in long run. • Use creative solutions to fund projects • Campaign for “Styrofoam-Free School” • Campaign for solar installation • Campaign to develop edible garden • Consider educational value
Solutions make sense, create community and enrich our children’s lives • Children are our future • Champions are needed!!