Creating a Climate Highway Across Appalachia | The Future of Nature

The Appalachian Mountains are one of the largest carbon sinks and biodiverse areas in the United States. Human developments and increasing temperatures are fragmenting and shifting animal migration corridors along this great expanse. Through community collaboration and GIS technologies, scientists are creating safe and continuous corridors for species to successfully migrate to new, suitable habitats.

Students learn about the science of climate migration, the techniques of GIS mapping, and the role of organizations and residents in local resource management that supports both carbon drawdown and local economies.

Through further engagement activities, students can explore the GIS data mapping tool from the video to view the movement of climate-migrating animals through Appalachia. Other optional activities ask students to conduct intergenerational surveys, propose a biodiversity project plan, and track animal movements through their communities.