Climate Action Resources
Climate Change Science
For most of us, the science of climate change is hard to grasp and somewhat overwhelming. If you’re looking for a quick and accessible overview that is easy to digest, we recommend viewing the video below or The Smithsonian's Climate Change 101 with Bill Nye the Science Guy
If you’d like to take a deeper dive and explore analyses by the world’s leading climate scientists, the best source of information is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), particularly its most recent Special Report: Global Warming of 1.5°C analyzing the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The IPCC is a 195-member international body established by the United Nations to provide policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation. Thousands of scientists from all over the world contribute to the work of the IPCC. Review is an essential part of the IPCC process, to ensure an objective and complete assessment of current information.
We are seeing the direct impacts of climate change today. Temperatures are rising, snow and rainfall patterns are shifting, and more extreme climate events – like heavy rainstorms and record high temperatures – are already happening. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compiles a key set of indicators related to the causes and effects of climate change based on data contributions from more than 50 contributors ranging from government agencies, academic institutions and other organizations.
Learn more about Climate Change Indicators and download the Indicators Factsheet (PDF, 280KB).
Climate Data Sources
Data about climate change risk, adaptation, and mitigation in Montgomery County can be found in the following local, state, and federal websites or mapping applications.
Montgomery County
- Data Montgomery
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Open Data Portal
- Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission - Montgomery Planning
- Spending Montgomery
State of Maryland
Federal Government
- Climate Data Online Search
- Climate Indicators in the United States
- Earth Resources Observation Systems (EROS) Data Center
- Earth Science Data Directory
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Envirofacts
- EPA Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool
- EPA Geospatial Data
- Federal Geospace Data
- National Environmental Public Health Tracking
- National Risk Index
- Open Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Urban Institute Spatial Equity Data Tool
- U.S. Census
Other County Climate Change Resources
Whether you're a homeowner, renter, small business, or major corporation, there are steps you can take to save money and reduce GHG emissions. The following websites (and newsletters) can help!
- Energy for Businesses – Save energy to increase your bottom line
- Green Business Certification Program – Voluntary educational and recognition program to help businesses green their day-to-day operations
- Montgomery County Climate News – Quarterly newsletter about the County's climate and resiliency efforts and upcoming events
- Montgomery Energy Connection – Programs and resources to help residents become more energy efficient and find renewable energy options
- My Green Montgomery – one-stop-shop to green your lifestyle
Climate Change Commissions and Networks
- Maryland Commission on Climate Change – stakeholders who develop action plans and timetables for mitigation of and adaptation to the consequences and impacts of climate change in Maryland​
- We’re Still In – group of more than 3,500 organizations, including jurisdictions, declaring their continued support for the Paris Climate Agreement
- Under2 Coalition – group of more than 220 governments spanning 43 countries committing to keeping global temperature rises to well below 2°C