Explore Climate Impacts
Data, Graphs, and Maps
Grades9, 10, 11, 12Earth and Space Sciences, Geography
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science
What it is
- This resource from the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science is an interactive map that shows how climate change is predicted to impact each region of the United States.
- This information comes from ecosystem-based vulnerability assessments and the National Climate Assessment.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This map is very user-friendly, and the introduction gives users relevant context.
- The resource does a great job of condensing really large reports into easy-to-read paragraphs that are manageable for students.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with climate change and what causes it.
- It may benefit students to understand how the typical climates in these regions differ.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Advanced students can explore the linked report to gain further insights.
- Teachers can place students in groups, with each group taking a look at a different region and the climate impacts it faces. After, students can discuss the differences and similarities across regions.
- Some students may become anxious when reading this collection of climate impacts. It may benefit these students to follow an exploration of this map with a discussion of climate solutions or with some climate-related good news.
- Economics classes can explore the economic sectors in these regions and hypothesize how climate impacts will affect those sectors.
From the scientist review
This resource allows students to explore how climate change impacts forests and natural ecosystems across different U.S. regions. It provides interactive maps and region-specific summaries that cover temperature, precipitation, and ecological shifts. While the resource is from a credible source, the data is slightly outdated. This resource would still be a great addition to a classroom discussion about climate impacts.
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