Climate Literacy

The U.S. federal government has produced a great publication (on the multi-agency climatescicence.gov website) that seeks to educate everyone about the Earth's climate. I quote from the 17-page publication, "Climate Literacy: The Essential Principles of Climate Science presents information that is deemed important for individuals and communities to know and understand about Earth’s climate, impacts of climate change, and approaches to adaptation or mitigation." The seven essential principles for climate science include:

1. The Sun is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system.
2. Climate is regulated by complex interactions among components of the Earth system.
3. Life on Earth depends on, is shaped by, and affects climate.
4. Climate varies over space and time through both natural and man-made processes.
5. Our understanding of the climate system is improved through observations, theoretical studies, and modeling.
6. Human activities are impacting the climate system.
7. Climate change will have consequences for the Earth system and human lives.

Thanks to my colleague Andrew Alden, About.com's Guide to Geology, for bringing this publication to my attention.