April 2020
A Note to Our NPS Family

Image courtesy of the CDC
Sequestration. Exposure. Sensitivity. Vulnerability. Resilience. Adaptation. Uncertainty. Scenarios. Hope.

The words above are regular fixtures in the lexicon of the NPS Climate Change Response Program, but we would like to take this opportunity to apply them in
a slightly different context.

To limit the exposure of those most vulnerable, many of us are now sequestered within our homes away from our beloved parks and coworkers. Given the many unknowns around the situation, we realize this is a sensitive time for many.

But from our unique perch, we regularly watch NPS colleagues overcome the challenge of uncertainty. They do so by taking stock of scenarios and planning ahead. They do so by exploring several options and embracing adaptation. And they do so by accepting whatever setbacks come their way with grace and resilience.

Thank you for your continued work in the face of difficulty and uncertainty. Your dedication and perseverance is our enduring wellspring of hope.


A Majority Are Alarmed and Concerned. What Can We Learn?

by Larry Perez

Since 2014, the Yale Program on Climate Change Communications has conducted periodic national surveys to track the evolving attitudes and beliefs of the American public around climate change. The results of the latest sampling effort in 2019 are notable: nearly 60% of all respondents were "concerned" or "alarmed" over the issue, the latter being at an all-time high. More about the latest findings can be found here.

At a time when many of our parks and offices are in various states of closure due to COVID-19, its also worth noting the general level of concern over the disease. A recent poll by the Associated Press and University of Chicago finds that two-thirds of the American public are either somewhat or extremely worried about the impact of coronavirus on their family. Furthermore, respondents indicated they are changing their behavior accordingly by washing hands more frequently, avoiding large groups, changing travel plans, etc.

On the surface, it appears both climate change and coronavirus elicit a similar level of concern among the general public. And yet, the degree of personal and public action taken in response to each appears wildly different. So what drives our national response to coronavirus? The immediacy of the threat? The potential impact to the health of loved ones? The disruption to critical societal systems? The relative ease of behavior change necessary (washing your hands, staying home, etc.)? Understanding the context for action can help inform how we more effectively engage on critical park issues going forward.

There are, of course, significant differences between coronavirus and climate change. Still, some have recently drawn interesting connections between our relative responses to both. From our current reality we may yet draw valuable lessons on what is to come, insight into what might be possible, and inspiration to act in the face of global crisis.

Join the conversation with your colleagues on the NPS Common Learning Portal .

TELEWORKING?
Take Some On-Demand Training!

The Climate Change Response Program invites interested NPS employees, contractors, and volunteers to enjoy unlimited access to the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) library of on-demand and live online training FREE for two full years. This opportunity affords participants unparalleled flexibility to customize training according to their needs and work around busy schedules.

Availability is limited and will be awarded strictly on a first-come, first serve basis. For instructions on how to register for this opportunity, please contact Larry Perez at larry_perez@nps.gov .


If you experience any difficulty accessing the information in this message, please email us. We will try to assist you as best we can. This may include providing the information to you in an alternate format. 
Want to submit an article? Want to be added to this mailing list? Contact  matt_holly@nps.gov .