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Climate and Climate Change Speed Science Fact Sheet CSCAP

Raymond W. Arritt, Iowa State University
Initial Publication Date: April 29, 2016

Summary

The Climate and Corn-based Cropping System Project (CSCAP):

This five-year project gathers data from 26 field sites in eight Midwestern states and focuses on ways to best promote the long-term sustainability and productivity of corn-based cropping systems.

A transdisciplinary team is assessing the environmental, economic and social impacts of shifting weather patterns and increasing long-term climate variability on the system. Extension and education programs are working with farmers, teachers and students to connect them with project analyses and promote collaborative learning.

One of the sources of energy that warms the Earth's surface is the downward radiation emitted from the atmosphere, often called the "greenhouse effect." This downward radiation depends on the amount of certain trace gases present in the atmosphere. These gases are collectively known as greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide is the long-lived greenhouse gas with the greatest effect on Earth's temperature. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is now higher than any time in at least the past 800,000 years and is rising rapidly. Principles of long-known, basic physics show that such a great increase in a long-lived greenhouse gas will warm the Earth's surface. This warming in turn will have effects on all parts of the climate system, including rainfall, winds,snow cover, and other climate variables important to agriculture.


Learning Goals

To promote the long-term sustainability and productivity of U.S. corn-based cropping systems against recent climate trends and future uncertainty.

Project Objectives:

  1. Develop standardized methodologies and perform baseline monitoring of carbon, nitrogen and water footprints at agricultural test sites across the Midwest.
  2. Evaluate how crop management practices impact carbon, nitrogen and water footprints at test sites.
  3. Apply models to research data and climate scenarios to identify impacts and outcomes that could affect the sustainability and economic vitality of corn-based cropping systems.
  4. Gain knowledge of farmer beliefs and concerns about climate change, attitudes toward adaptative and mitigative strategies and practices, and decision support needs to inform the development of tools and practices that support long-term sustainability of crop production.
  5. Promote extension, outreach and stakeholder learning and participation across all aspects of the program.
  6. Train the next generation of scientists, develop science education curricula and promote learning opportunities for high school teachers and studen

Context for Use

The CSCAP project's multi-pronged approach utilizes place-based education at multiple levels (9-12, undergraduate, graduate, extension and stakeholders) to increase learning and foster a new generation of scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs and citizens.

Description and Teaching Materials

The Climate and Climate Change Fact Sheet is a quick reference with graphs and charts showing increasing greenhouse gas concentration.

The Speed Science Fact Sheets and presentation videos are approved for use in educational, research and extension settings. The fact sheets were developed and presented as "Speed Science" by the Climate and Corn-based Cropping Systems CAP. The CSCAP is a transdisciplinary partnership among 11 institutions creating new science and educational opportunities. It seeks to increase resilience and adaptability of Midwest agriculture to more volatile weather patterns by identifying farmer practices and policies that increase sustainability while meeting crop demand.

Printable handout >> Climate and Climate Change, Arritt, Iowa State University (Acrobat (PDF) 1.2MB Oct20 15)

About CSCAP >> About CSCAP Project (Acrobat (PDF) 2.9MB Oct20 15)


Assessment

Assessment is at the discretion of the educator and how the Speed Science Fact Sheets are applied.

References and Resources

Project Partners

Ten land grant universities and one USDA Agricultural Research Service laboratory are participating in this project. These 11 institutions represent nine states in the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin).