Patrick Hamilton, the Science Museum's director of Global Change Initiatives, is in Madrid this week attending the COP25 internation climate conference. Follow along as he shares his perspective of the climate negotiations as a member of We Are Still In, a bipartisan network that is committed to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and addressing the causes of climate change.

Harvesting energy from the sun has clear benefits as we look for solutions for a more sustainable future. Science Museum scientists Patrick Hamilton and Shawn Schottler have an idea for how we can place solar arrays strategically on farmland to improve water quality, support pollinators and livestock, and provide economic benefits to local farmers.  

The Science Museum's St. Croix Watershed Research Station is home to a team of scientists who study water around the world in an effort to better understand the challenges facing clean water and our relationship with this most precious resource. This summer, a member of the team traveled to Greenland, joining scientists from around the world in studying some of the planet's most pristine lakes. 

Red Lake Nation resource managers make it possible for Research Station scientists to study unique lakes, and provide valuable perspectives on forces affecting water.

Aquatic cyanobacteria first oxygenated earth’s air, making human life possible; now, due to our actions, cyanobacteria are madly blooming once more, poisoning our water in the process.

A gravel bed on the Science Museum's plaza is a living exhibit about a simple way that we can help our cities' tree populations recover from pests like the emerald ash borer.

The Science Museum was one of the first cultural organizations to join We Are Still In, a national coalition of organizations that are commited to demonstrating America's commitment to tackling climate change. Patrick Hamilton, director of Global Change Initiatives, believes that science centers and other museums are uniquely positioned to advance awareness of climate issues, and with his help, the museum is an example for the industry.

The Women in Science and Engineering event is on Saturday, February 16. It's the perfect occasion to introduce you to Abigail Thomsen, one of the women making a difference in our own science labs! 

Since we first introduced Dr. Alex Hastings, he and his wife have welcomed a son and moved their family - including two dogs, three cats, two lizards, and a snake - across the country. Now that he's had some time to settle in, we sat down to chat with him about his new job. Find out why he thinks paleontology is cool, what's going on in his lab right now, and what comic books he recommends!

The winter solstice, or the shortest day of the year, is December 21. If the lack of light and winter blues are getting to you, the Illumination event at the Science Museum is the perfect antidote. And these simple activities will light up your home!