Written by Deb Groebner, Southern Coordinator
YES! students and coaches from around the state gathered online Oct. 28 to learn “How to Make Sense of Minnesota’s Changing Climate,” presented by Dr. Kenny Blumenfeld, climatologist with the MN Department of Natural Resources.
“Minnesota’s climate is getting wetter and warmer,” Blumenfeld told the students. More precipitation is falling during intense storms, causing severe flooding, erosion, and water pollution. Our winters have gotten shorter, with warmer nighttime temperatures. “Sounds pretty good, right?” said Blumenfeld. Turns out mild winters aren’t so great for Minnesota’s ecosystems. For example, without an extended deep freeze, pests and diseases survive the winter, emerging in spring to threaten the health of native plants and animals, crops, and people.
In addition to helping students understand the scientific evidence for climate trends in Minnesota, Blumenfeld shared personal stories about his path to a rewarding career in climate science. At the end of the session he commended students for asking insightful and thought-provoking questions.
This event was offered as part of the YES! Virtual Series on Climate Change. Some students joined from their classroom as a group, while individual distance-learners participated from home. The program was recorded and the video is available to YES! teams through a link in the Coaches Corner on the yesmn.org website.
Major support for YES! comes from LYFT Career Pathways, the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), and Waste Management. Thank you!
