Tracking climate change is a big job. It takes plenty of computers and high-tech sensors.
But there is still one simple way to do it: just use your eyes. Scientists track seasonal events in plants and flowers to detect subtle changes to local climates.
Now you can too with a program called Project BudBurst.It's simple. Go to the Project Budburst website and type in your location.
The site will help you find your latitude and longitude, which is needed for the study. And then? Pick a plant.
Start tracking the plant's progress - first leaf, first flower and so on.
It doesn't sound like much, but it's important work. Plants and animals are directly affected by climate change.
Temperature and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere affect when plants bloom.
Project BudBurst lets you help scientists understand how and when plants respond to a warmer world.
It also helps you get to know your back yard or neighborhood a little better. And it's as easy as watching flowers bloom.