Review by Lynne Nittler

There’s a new, irresistible website that just launched March 16. It’s the kind of personal story-telling that short videos make possible as they draw you in, and then leave you moved and thoughtful long afterwards. Some will change you.

In an unprecedented collaboration between climate scientists, advocacy organizations and the public, More Than Scientists presents the real life stories and personal views of scientists on the frontlines of climate research. They represent, “…the more than 97% of scientists who believe climate change is happening, that it is due to our actions and that it is within our power to keep it from being devastating.”

They’re approachable people just like all the rest of us! In a series of short videos, these scientists who work in climate-related disciplines don’t spew facts and figures, but rather tell the personal concerns that those facts and figures have led them to. They talk about the potential impact of climate change on their families, their communities and the environment, with the hope that this will spur more people –like us – into taking action.

They talk about the potential impact of climate change on their families, their communities and the environment, with the hope that this will spur more people –like us – into taking action.

An invitation to take action:

After visitors to the website browse the 20 videos posted so far, they read this simple invitation: “We hope you’re inspired to take action on climate change after watching our videos. It’s going to take all of us to tackle climate change. There are a lot of ways you can do this, from taking personal actions that limit your emissions to the way you vote to joining advocacy organizations to speaking with your elected officials. We believe in an all-of-the-above approach.”

Resource Page

While the website is elegant in its simplicity, the “Get Involved page” is an excellent resource and can lead any reader in fruitful directions. The suggested linked organizations include Union of Concerned Scientists, 350.org, Citizens Climate Lobby, Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club, and Waterkeeper’s Alliance, to name a few. To learn more, the website references NASA, NOAA, IPCC, and others. Best of all is a section on email sign-ups for regular updates, including “The Daily Climate” and “EcoWatch” where this website was introduced!

Enjoy the website testimonies, and select your own action path. At the very least, pass along the website to our friends!