Public Education

The ocean’s tight linkage with the atmosphere makes understanding its behaviour vital for forecasting weather and climate conditions. The ocean warms and cools more slowly than the atmosphere, thus coastal weather tends to be more moderate than continental weather, with fewer hot and cold extremes. These changes ultimately cause a lasting impact on marine biodiversity, and the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities and beyond. Our community has the potential to help educate not only those who live here, but also the broader poulation who visit here.

As growing human populations place additional burdens on land due to increased needs for food, energy, natural resources, economic development, and space, pressure increases to convert natural habitats for other uses. These land-use changes are one of the gravest threats to remaining biologically diverse habitats and the organisms that make up these ecosystems. A connection to nature can help us understand how to find a balance between development and healthy ecosystems. What we do, or don't do in our own landscapes has a long-term affect on local nature.

In a recent study, North Carolina landfilled over 9.7 million tons of waste* and recovered 1.7 million tons for a low recovery rate of 14.9%. 26 Since 2017, it appears that North Carolina’s recycling system has declined. In response to international waste trade restrictions, municipalities across the state have scaled back the list of recyclable materials they will accept, including glass and some plastics. Unfortunately, more responsibility falls on the local population to take responsible actions. Our personal habits contribute to the big picture and our daily actions are either part of the solutions or part of the problem.