Everyday Environment

Small changes have positive impacts on the environment.

Everyday Environment explores the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world. From water, air, energy, plants, and animals to the complex interactions within these elements, we aim to unravel the ties that link us to our environment. Through podcasts, blogs,  webinars, and videos, you'll gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for these connections in Illinois and beyond. Each fall and spring, we'll explore a new topic in detail. 

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Climate Change in Illinois

In the fall of 2024, Everyday Environment explored the different facets of climate change. Take a look at the full collection of climate change videos, blogs, and podcasts below.

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Climate Change Blogs

Reduce methane generation with composting 

Exploring the Potential of Agrivoltaics

Renewable energy offers benefits for our future

How agricultural carbon markets are investing in policy and interest for farmers

Saving the planet is child's play! Empower youth about climate change

Adapting to climate change can have added health benefits

Pollinators' complicated relationship with climate change

What to expect with invasives and climate change

Soil carbon addresses climate resiliency for the future

The urban forest is a climate tool for all

How plants respond to rising carbon dioxide concentrations

Climate expert breaks down the basics of climate change

Climate Change Podcast Episodes

Coffee grounds are green: composting reduces methane and builds up soil

Investigating solar energy and agriculture: agrivoltaics and climate change

Exploring carbon markets as part of emissions reduction goals

Cover Crops not Mudslides: empowering youth on climate change

It’s all about risk: how climate change increases our risk of health concerns and how we can adapt

Exploring the challenges facing pollinators

Will invasive species be helped or hindered by climate change?

Understanding soil as a system

708 million tons of carbon storage: Urban Forests and climate change

Too Much of a Good Thing: A Plant’s Perspective on Climate Change

Shifting to a Silver Lining: Climate Expert Talks Climate Change Basics

Climate Change Videos

An Introduction to Climate Change in Illinois

How renewable energy transitions are happening in rural Illinois

Can your lawn be climate friendly?

An Interview with a Buckthorn Tree

Reduce your energy use to help fight climate change

Webinar: What Illinois Residents Should Know about Climate Change 

 Webinar: Actions for Illinois Residents to Combat Climate Change

Webinars

The Everyday Environment webinars explore environmental topics to encourage sustainable practices. Tune in and learn how you can do your part to protect the planet for generations to enjoy. All sessions are free. 

Looking for previous programs? Recordings are posted several weeks after the program to allow time for closed captioning. The most recent sessions are available below.

Watch Past Webinars on YouTube

What Illinois Residents Should Know About Climate Change

Discover what climate change means for Illinois now and in the future and explore practical solutions. Learn how you can play a vital role in helping your community be healthier and more resilient to the effects of climate change. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation and...

Actions for Illinois Residents to Combat Climate Change

While there are many strategies to reduce risk and adapt at global and regional scales, individuals can also take action. 

In this video you will learn how you can address climate change in your home, landscape, and community, explore how different methods of managing your lawn,...

Everyday Environment Podcast
In the final episode of our Everyday Environment season focused on climate change, we chat with Duane Friend, Illinois Extension Climate Change Specialist to explore practical ways to get involved in climate action. Whether you're looking to make a difference in your own life or in your...
Everyday Environment Blog

Reduce methane generation with composting

The problem with food scraps in landfillsIn the U.S., food waste is a big problem. Nationally, landfills and trash incinerators receive 167 million tons of garbage a year. Half of that is compostable and 21% is food scraps. This means that of the 19 million tons of garbage going to Illinois...
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renewable energy and climate change

Renewable energy offers benefits for our future

When I was growing up in St. Louis, crossing the Mississippi River in Alton was always my cue that we were almost home from a long road trip.  Now that I live in Illinois, I know I am nearing home when I start to see windmills across the blue skies. Even at night, their blinking red lights...
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Adapting to climate change can have added health benefits

Climate change is impacting many aspects of our lives. Through increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, worsening air quality, sea-level rise, and food and water insecurity, climate change is increasing the risk of a myriad of human health conditions. These can include heat-...
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Pollinators' complicated relationship with climate change

Like almost everything else with climate change, the impacts are mostly bad news. Increasing drought severity is already driving pollinator declines in the southwest, and secondary climate change impacts like habitat fragmentation are likely adding on to other stressors. We also know that impacts...
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What to expect with invasives and climate change

Climate change and invasive species are both huge threats to our natural resources. How are the two issues interacting? Can we expect invasive species to get worse over time due to climate change? And are these changes consistent across all invasive species?It’s difficult to know for sure, but...
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Soil carbon addresses climate resiliency for the future

Soil is more than just dirt; it is a vital component of our ecosystem. It provides nutrients for plants, supports biodiversity, and plays a crucial role in water filtration and carbon storage. Healthy soil is resilient and can better withstand environmental stresses, making it a key player in our...
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