Environmental Literacy and Research

Keywords: Environmental literacy, geographical structure, conservation.
Abstract Type: Virtual Paper Abstract

Abstract

Our research aims to outline the importance and impact of environmental literacy and climate research as it pertains to wildlife conservation in unique geographical locations. Cape Cod, the region wherein we would be focusing our research, presents a very unique geographical configuration in which multiple climate stressors occur. Highlighting the importance of environmental research and literacy encourages the reversal of man-made climate stressors, such as deforestation and the mass collection of sand from the beaches of Cape Cod. Additionally, bringing public attention using environmental literacy also focuses attention to naturally occurring climate stressors which cause mass disruption of the local ecosystem due to climate change. These include the natural erosion of the beaches due to strengthened storm surges from the effects of climate change, in addition to the invasion of displaced species into foreign ecosystems. Two species local to Cape Cod experiencing this displacement due to these factors, as well as the unique geographical configuration of the peninsula, are the Molas and multiple species of sea turtles. We will be working very closely to the New England Conservation of Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) who take a very hands-on approach in aiding in and researching the migration of the Mola Molas and the sea turtles. Most importantly to our research, NECWA is an out-spoken group who aims to connect community engagement and outreach.