Evidence We’ve Seen: Beach Erosion Barrier Island Migration Loss of Maritime Forest

1. We Sea Change! Wilmington, North Carolina Isaac Bear Early College High School North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher Students: Dustin Chambers, Jessica Lama, Evan Lucas, Keela Sweeney Mentor: Bryan Bishop Aquarium Representative: Megan Ennes • Mission Statement: To educate the community about the effects of climate change through film while inspiring our regional neighbors to initiate climate-friendly actions towards the environment. • Problem Statement: In an effort to educate the general public about our regional issues associated with climate change, we will interview both local experts and affected citizens and present our findings to the community in an educational film. • Action Plan: • Our Target Audience:Students and the general public, people who want to make a difference • Our Desired Outcome: To educate others about the impacts humans have upon the natural cycle of climate change, and how it affects our coastal environment. We also hope to help educate the public on eco-friendly practices which will slow this process. • Our Implementation Plan: To create an informative video to educate the public about climate change and its impacts on the Cape Fear Region of North Carolina. The video will include interviews with experts and local concerned citizens who have observed the effects of a changing climate.  • Changes You Can Make: • Buy locally made products • Reduce plastic output by taking canvas bags to the grocery store and eliminating one-time use plastic bottles. • Eliminate junk mail using services such as 41 Pounds: www.41pounds.org • Carpool/ride your bike/walk • Make your home and car energy-efficient • Buy Energy Star certified appliances, and make sure old appliances are recycled • Unplug electronic devices when not in use • Pack litter-less lunches • Evidence We’ve Seen: • Beach Erosion • Barrier Island Migration • Loss of Maritime Forest • Species Migration • Endangered Species • Salt Water Intrusion • Endangered Habitats: • Long Leaf Pine Forest • Where We’ve Been: • Cape Fear River Cruise:We sailed up the Cape Fear River on a water tour, observing the salt-water intrusion and its effect on the local ecosystem. • HollyShelter:We observed the long-leaf pine ecosystem and its endangered inhabitants which would be effected by changing climate. • Bald Head Island:On this trip we saw first-hand the importance and effects of barrier islands on many species and plants within the maritime forest ecosystem. • Aquarium:The Aquarium trip allowed us to see how local aquatic animals such as sea turtles and alligators would be effected by climate change. • Fort Fisher Historic Site:We looked at the ineffectiveness of sea walls and sandbags as protection against beach erosion. • Surf House Restaurant:Our group interviewed local business owners regarding climate-friendly practices such as buying local products and using recycled wood in their restaurant. People We’ve Talked To: • Doug Gamble: UNCW Climatologist • Paul Hosier: UNCW Barrier Island Ecologist • Anthony Snider: UNCW Environmental Studies • Doug Springer: Wilmington Water Tours • Kemp Burdette: Cape Fear Riverkeeper • Keith Farmer: NCAFF Herpetologist • Keith Laughlin: Student Activist • Brad Jones: Surf House Café Owner/Surfer • Craig Love: Surf House Café Owner/Surfer • Wes King: Dive Master at Aquatic Safaris Dive Center • Follow Our Progress At: • www.capefearstudentsummit.blogspot.com • www.capefearstudentsummit.wikispaces.com • www.nhcs.net/isaacbear • www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher