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# Climate Change

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Climate change is not new to the Smithsonian—our scholars have investigated the effects of the climate on natural systems for over 175 years. We look at processes that occurred millions of years ago alongside developments taking place today.

The Smithsonian is tackling climate change from multiple angles. The Institution is working with global partners to unravel the causes and consequences of climate change, it is elevating the public discussion around the issue, and it is implementing strategies to protect its own facilities and collections from future climate change impacts.
Learning from the Past
Our museums house valuable data and specimens that are used to study past climate conditions. Smithsonian scientists use these collection items, data, and research to dive into the history of the Earth to learn more about our past and help better predict our future. 
       Smithsonian Sparks  Fossils Help Scientists Build a Picture of the Past—and Present         What lessons does the response of prehistoric plants to rapid climate change hold for today?         Smithsonian Sparks  Connecting Ancient CO2 Records with the Future         Researchers used fossilized plants to reconstruct the ancient atmospheric carbon dioxide record.          National Museum of Natural History  Global Climate Change in Perspective
How do we know that the climate has changed continuously over Earth’s 4.5 billion year history? And how is it different now?
       Sidedoor Podcast  Monsoon Mood         We think of paintings as art, but they can also help us understand today's changing climate.  Understanding the Science
Climate change is a complicated subject, crossing many disciplines. Researchers from the Smithsonian collect data, study climate-related trends, and collaborate with other scientific organizations to better understand the science of climate change. 
       Smithsonian Environmental Research Center  Making Sense of Climate Change
Watch a six-part video series about the science behind climate change
       National Museum of Natural History  What Is the Sea Ice Minimum?
A primer on the sea ice minimum—what it is and why should you care about it.
       Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute  A Summary of the Latest Evidence
Watch a virtual lecture from Steve Paton, director of STRI’s physical monitoring program.
       National Air and Space Museum  Three Ways Satellites Help Us Understand Our Environment
Satellites help us see our world in new ways and reveal steps we can take to help protect it. 
Impacts and Solutions
What are some of the impacts of climate change? They include a warmer and more acidic ocean, increased wildfire events, shifting ranges of key species, and more. Our Smithsonian climate change research efforts aim to better understand the impacts of climate change, raise awareness, and contribute to the global effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
       National Museum of Natural History  Ocean Acidification
Learn about “climate change’s evil twin” with the Smithsonian's Ocean Portal.
       Smithsonian Sparks  Changing Climate and Parasites         Parasites are facing major extinctions, and museum natural history collections hold the key to research.         Smithsonian Sparks  Warming Waters Lead to Overtaxed Corals         Record high temperatures this year mean early coral bleaching events observed by Smithsonian scientists.         Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage  Why Cultural Heritage Belongs in the Climate Conversation
An article that explores the question "What does it mean to lose cultural heritage to climate change?"
       National Museum of Natural History  Sea Level Rise
Learn about sea level rise from the Smithsonian's Ocean Portal.
       Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute  Impacts of Global Change on Forests
Smithsonian scientists and partners are studying how global change impacts forests around the world.
       Smithsonian Sparks  Earth's Oceans Are Losing Their Breath         In the past 50 years, the amount of water in the open ocean with zero oxygen has increased more than fourfold.          Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute  Climate Change and Salamanders
Researchers track salamander species to see how climate change impacts their ability to survive. 
       Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute  What's for Lunch?
A hotter ocean is a hungrier ocean—at least as far as fish predators are concerned.
What Can I Do?
Climate change is a global problem and we need global solutions. But changes made at an individual level can still help. Despite the challenges we face, scientists and educators at the Smithsonian cannot help but feel optimistic that together we can affect positive change by building and sharing knowledge and fostering community engagement. Look for ongoing Smithsonian events that inform and inspire to help protect life on our planet.
       Around the Smithsonian  How to Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
Learn about the challenges facing life on our planet—and our successes. Get inspired to be a part of building a sustainable future where life on Earth thrives.
       Smithsonian Affiliates  Earth Optimism Youth Action and Leadership
An education program that supports students taking action on environmental issues that concern them, in ways that build leadership skills.
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