Climate change is a pressing issue that affects us all, but for some, like the mothers involved in Science Moms, it is an especially personal mission. These scientists are not only experts in climate studies but also mothers who are passionate about ensuring a sustainable future for their children.
Sierra Petersen, an associate professor at the University of Michigan’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, is one of the voices leading the charge in this initiative. A member of Science Moms, Petersen focuses on paleo-climate studies to understand how Earth’s climate has changed over millions of years.
Understanding the Mission of Science Moms
The nonprofit Science Moms aims to engage mothers in discussions about climate change, emphasizing the importance of addressing this critical issue. By leveraging their scientific expertise and shared experiences as parents, these women hope to inspire action and awareness in other mothers.
Petersen explains, “With Science Moms, we’re focused on protecting the future for our children.” The group encourages mothers to consider how climate change might affect their children’s futures, emphasizing the need to prioritize this issue in decision-making processes.
Research Insights: Learning from the Past
Petersen’s research delves into Earth’s historical climate patterns by examining the chemical composition of ancient sea shells. Her studies include the Cretaceous thermal maximum, an era from about 90 million years ago when Earth’s temperatures were exceptionally high.
This research is crucial for understanding how various elements of the climate system interact, enabling scientists to make informed predictions about future climate changes. “I spend a lot of my work day thinking about the past, but we can learn a lot about what might happen in the future from looking to the past,” Petersen notes.
Community Outreach and Impact
Science Moms also focuses on community engagement. They strive to establish trusted local experts who can provide insights on climate-related topics through media appearances and educational advertisements.
Through her role, Petersen serves as a reliable source of information during significant weather events, linking scientific data with family-oriented perspectives. She emphasizes the importance of presenting climate change as a non-political issue, stating, “I’m not a politician. I’m a scientist. I’m just telling you what I know from my job as a scientist and also how I think about this from my role as a mom.”
Effective Communication Strategies
Highlighting the benefits of environmentally friendly practices is a key strategy for Science Moms. Petersen suggests focusing on the multiple advantages of such actions, like switching to quieter, cleaner electric leaf blowers or adopting electric school buses that offer improved air quality for children.
By emphasizing tangible benefits beyond environmental impact, the group hopes to encourage broader acceptance of sustainable practices without requiring individuals to alter their political beliefs. “The more added benefits you get, the more likely you are to actually make the change,” Petersen asserts.
