The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) is very proud to present our newest online exhibit, which is based on the Changing Climate: Our Future, Our Choice exhibit that will open at the Museum of the Earth in November 2020. Climate change is one of the greatest global threats of our time and affects everyone. This exhibit aims not only to educate on climate change itself, but also to teach visitors of all ages about the actions that they can take to help protect our environment. It highlights the value of individual action, but, as the exhibit’s title implies, also emphasizes the need for collective action.

The online exhibit includes visualizations of global temperature and carbon dioxide levels, two of our most important climate records over time, with highlights of key events in natural history, human history, and climate history along the way. It also features educational sections on greenhouse gases, energy, and how we know about ancient climates.

Throughout the online exhibit visitors will find videos, interactive animations, 3D images, original graphics, a quiz to measure their impact on the environment, and an opportunity to share their views and read what other people are saying. One of the best things we can do is to talk about climate change, and this online exhibit is filled with questions and prompts for climate change conversation. 

The online version of this exhibit was built in-house at PRI by PRI’s Climate Team—Dr. Ingrid Zabel, Dr. Don Haas, Dr. Alex Moore, and Dr. Rob Ross—along with Director of Exhibitions Helaina Blume and staff members Dave Fass, Brian Gollands, and Dr. Jonathan Hendricks.

The members of PRI’s Climate Team are scientists and educators, and each person brought their own expertise and interests to the project, making the final result much richer.

The physical exhibit, coming next month, will occupy a 30-foot long wall in the gallery that connects the education/special exhibits wing with the permanent exhibits wing of the Museum. The exhibit was made possible by many generous donors and contributors, listed here.