Gardening in a Changing Climate: Tools for Action

From the New York Times - "A group of 195 nations reached a landmark climate agreement on [December 12, 2015]. Here is what it means for the planet, business and other areas."

From the Guardian - "Artists are waking up to climate change. But what good can they do – and how green is their work? Cornelia Parker, Gary Hume and Keith Tyson reveal how they're dealing with the threat of catastrophe."

"To study the impacts of climate change on the Native Forest, the Garden engages volunteers in collecting important scientific data on specific species of trees. With training by experts, these citizen scientists learn about eight native tree species and how to collect and input data on the seasonal biological processes of those species in the Forest such as when leaves, flowers, and fruits appear (a science known as phenology)."

Moms Clean Air Force is a community of hundreds of thousands of moms—and dads!—working together to combat air pollution, including the urgent crisis of our changing climate.

From MillionTreesNYC - "MillionTreesNYC, one of the 132 PlaNYC initiatives, is a citywide, public-private program with an ambitious goal: to plant and care for one million new trees across the City's five boroughs over the next decade."

"In the shadows of sky–scrapers and on the edges of a highly urbanized landscape, New York City's natural areas continue to support diverse plant and wildlife populations, including numerous rare, threatened and endangered species. Of 29,000 acres of NYC parkland, over 10,000 acres are composed of forest, woodland, freshwater wetland and salt marsh ecosystems — all of which face the constant threat of encroachment and degradation from development, public works construction and other human impacts."

"Music is an effective tool for raising awareness, expressing emotions and prompting action. Many musicians are very conscious of the environment. Here are 8 top songs about climate change. The songs are new and old, fast and slow, funny and serious, by the famous and the unknown."

"Cape Farewell invites artists and scientists to think creatively about our future, and the problems posed by climate change."

The Adult Education Department at NYBG offers hundreds of courses, workshops, and symposia on topics ranging from organic gardening to native plants to creating green roofs.

From the New York Times - "Global climate: it’s complicated. Any long-term solution will require profound changes in how we generate energy. At the same time, there are everyday things that you can do to reduce your personal contribution to a warming planet. Here are seven simple guidelines on how your choices today affect the climate tomorrow."

From the United States Environmental Protection Agency - "Driving a car, using electricity to light and heat your home, and throwing away garbage all lead to greenhouse gas emissions. You can reduce emissions through simple actions like changing a light bulb, powering down electronics, using less water, and recycling. This site provides more than 25 easy steps you can take at Home, School, the Office, and On the Road to protect the climate, reduce air pollution, and save money. Take action today! Small steps add up, if we all do our part."

Use this resource to explore the NYBG grounds, including information about specific plants, bloom times, and garden features.