Letter from the Executive Director

Arctic Oscillation Diagram

It’s hard not to notice the lack of winter across most of the country, at least in the lower 48 states. Two weeks ago a January heat wave smashed records from North Dakota to California before spreading into the Northeast. At least 1,500 daily record high temperatures were set during the period from January 2-8, including Minnesota. Real winter weather is just around the corner though, thanks to the Arctic Oscillation. The Arctic Oscillation is a pattern of atmospheric pressure that helps steer the jet stream in the Northern Hemisphere and is transitioning into a new phase. When it’s in a “positive phase” as it has been so far this winter, cold air tends to remain bottled up in the Arctic. In fact, the Arctic Oscillation has been extremely positive this winter, with the Arctic Oscillation index reaching its second-highest level on record, dating back to 1950. This is the opposite of how things were in December 2010 and January 2011, when the Arctic Oscillation was extremely negative and several major snowstorms slammed the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Scientists do not fully understand what influences the behavior of the Arctic Oscillation, but some studies show links between it and the loss of Arctic sea ice, which is due in large part to global warming, and other research suggests that solar activity can have an effect on it as well. Our friend and Minnesota weather guru Paul Douglas was on MPR’s Midmorning show recently discussing our weird weather and more. Listen here.

At a recent school visit in Proctor, Minnesota in early January, Will Steger explained the difference between weather and climate and talked about how he navigated his expedition teams without a GPS unit using wind, the sun, and weather as a guide. Students were surprised to learn how skills he learned as a young child enabled him to survive in the Arctic. Learn more about Will's early observations and journals in our online classroom.

Sincerely,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

With the end of 2011 approaching, it’s a natural time to express our gratitude, to reflect on this past year’s achievements, and lay the groundwork for the year ahead. Our 2010-2011 Annual Report is complete, and with eight-more pages than last year, thanks to more supporters and an incredible list of accomplishments, we want to acknowledge our friends that made this all possible.

I want to thank our dedicated Board of Directors and incredible staff, who not only go above and beyond what is asked of them with their time, but also contribute financially. I am proud to share that we have 100% financial participation from our entire team. We are all passionate about the issue we work on and our approach. We are a unique organization that combines education, youth leadership and advocacy to advance solutions to climate change.

Thanks to your support and interest in our work, you have also made a tremendous impact on hundreds of educators, youth leaders and defended policies that protect our health, environment and advance the clean energy economy.

We have big plans for 2012, such as revamping our climate education resources, increasing our outreach in Minnesota and across the Midwest, and so much more. We’ll need you again to make this a reality. Right now, however we just want to say thank you.

Sincerely,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

The Will Steger Foundation blog has a number of great articles by our youth leaders this month. From Midwest Powershift in Cleveland, Ohio to youth led meetings with legislative staff, to preparing to participate in the upcoming United Nations climate conference in Durban, South Africa, a generation is getting to work building their future.

Youth have also been submitting observations to our online classroom for Minnesota’s Changing Climate: "I learned that humans have a huge impact on how fast the climate changes and that everything we do affects the changing climate. I also learned that we can change the world.” "I learned that every living thing has an impact on how the world changes." Check them out in our exciting online classroom!

The Changing Arctic event was a great success last month. Over 80 people joined the Will Steger Foundation and partners for a thought-provoking conversation. The half-day event explored what a changing arctic, mainly an ice-free arctic, means for economics, the environment, diplomacy and security.

We are gearing up for Give to the Max Day this Wednesday November 16th and hope you will join us by supporting our work.

Finally, on December 7 & 8 Will Steger will be talking about his eyewitness experience with climate change and the connection between climate, clean air and human health at two events in Grand Rapids and Princeton, MN. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

This month we are turning our attention to the Arctic, which seems fitting given the recent scientific reports that are being released about the summer sea ice conditions and the important discussions that are unfolding regarding mineral rights, infrastructure, political power of indigenous peoples, and waterway access. It should be no surprise that extreme climate conditions are becoming the norm in the Arctic and that with these changes bring additional challenges for Arctic nations, including the United States. Minnesotans are already contributing to U.S., Canadian and broader international efforts to address the challenges and opportunities of the changing Arctic. To build further understanding of these critical issues, the Will Steger Foundation and the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis are pleased to partner with the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the Institute on the Environment to bring a first-of-its-kind discussion of The Changing Arctic: International Cooperation and Development to the Twin Cities, on October 27. Along with experts from Minnesota, Canada and elsewhere, we will examine diplomacy and international cooperation, economic and social development, as well as education, exploration and science in the Arctic from 1-6 pm at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School.

Our Clean Air Act Defense work continues, despite the Obama administration’s delay to set standards to reduce carbon pollution from power plants and continued Congressional attacks. We are organizing a series of meetings for youth climate leaders and health professionals with staff from Senator Franken and Klobuchar’s offices regarding the importance of a strong Clean Air Act this month. Youth are sending the message that they will make up 22% of eligible voters in the 2012 elections in Minnesota and as young people, they want the Clean Air Act to be protected for their future.

Sincerely,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director

Letter from the Executive Director

Thank you for supporting our August fundraising campaign – we raised over $20,000 and ended our fiscal year in a strong financial position!

We are gearing up for a very busy fall and want to make sure you know about a number of great events we have coming up locally and nationally:

• Sept. 20 - Green Ideas & Ham Breakfast with Don Shelby and Dr. John Abraham
• Sept. 24 - Moving Planet Day of Climate Action
• Oct. 2-6 - Climate Ride in California
• Oct. 27 - The Changing Arctic: International Cooperation and Development Symposium

Our Clean Air Act Defense work will continue this fall. We organized a letter on behalf of attorneys in Minnesota asking Senator Klobuchar to support a strong Clean Air Act, which could be part of Congress’ efforts to weaken it in the Senate this fall.

The Will Steger Foundation has launched an exciting initiative that brings climate change to the local level, here in Minnesota! Minnesota’s Changing Climate (MCC) includes a new curriculum for grades 3-12, an online classroom, educator professional development, outdoor exploration tools, and ongoing support.

Finally, in case you missed our August events, or if you want to experience them again, you can now watch videos from our Summer Institute for Climate Change Education and public forum, Sense of Place in a Changing Climate.

We hope to see you this fall!

Sincerely,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director