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Climate Change, Energy and Air Quality
Success Story
Alpine Flowers. Photo: Alex DeLuciaAMC's Mountain Watch Program has just tabulated its 2008 results. AMC researchers Doug Weihrauch and Georgia Murray report that the number of datasheets returned increased by 50 percent this past year and included more than 3,000 plant observations by 1,895 participants. The program relies on volunteer citizen-scientists to observe the flowering of alpine and forest plants on mountain trails throughout the Northeast. Linking the flowering time observations to climate data is the goal of this program, which will allows AMC’s research staff to model past and future changes.

Greenhouse gases and other air pollutants threaten the health of the plants and animals throughout the Appalachian region.  Some air pollution can seriously affect hiker health and the outdoor experience causing hazy vistas and labored breathing even in mountainous regions where one may not expect to see smog and soot.

AMC’s energy campaign tracks new information on climate change, shares the research AMC is contributing to the science of climate change impacts in our region, and suggests actions AMC members can take to reduce our organizational impact on our region’s climate.

AMC's efforts include:

Staff Green Team
AMC staff, concerned about our organizational energy usage, are researching ways to reduce our energy output — from reducing the amount of driving we do to encouraging our colleagues to adopt more energy-conscious habits, both at work and home. Check out an archive of the Green Team's monthly energy saving tips >>

Legislation Tracking
AMC tracks the most recent proposed federal legislation and implementation of existing regional programs, focused on reducing the amount of carbon dioxide being consumed.

Wind Power
AMC is playing a leading role in promoting appropriate siting policies for wind power projects in our region.

Mountain Watch
AMC’s citizen science program engages hikers in environmental monitoring, such as documenting alpine and forest plant flowering in the mountains.

Carbon Footprint
AMC has been evaluating its own carbon emissions through an internal energy audit. We will be sharing our findings and our plans to reduce our organization's carbon emissions.

Air Quality and Climate Research
AMC shares its scientific findings to raise public awareness and encourage sensible environmental policies that will mean cleaner air and resource protection for all of us to enjoy.

AMC Use of Alternative Energy/Green Construction
The AMC has a long-standing commitment to using its huts and lodges as models for sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. Read more about our Green Promise>>