Chill out for Change?
Welcome to Layers of Life, an innovative environmental education exhibit coming soon to the Cayuga Nature Center. As we prepare to unveil this immersive experience, we're thrilled to introduce a unique initiative born from the collaboration between students at Cornell University and the Paleontological Research Institution: Layers of Life Ice Cream.
Our mission is to engage and educate the community on environmental and climate change science in a fun and delicious way. Inspired by the exhibit's themes, Layers of Life Ice Cream serves as a delectable tool to spark conversations and raise awareness about pressing environmental issues.
Why ice cream? It may seem counterintuitive to use ice cream to spark a discussion on climate change, especially when cows produce a lot of methane, a greenhouse gas. The overall goal of this project is to spark those types of discussion. Although some people are quite knowledgable about climate change and the causes of it, many people are still learning. We want to invite those still learning about climate change to have a discussion and ask questions. Also, ice cream parlors have an extensive history of promoting a sense of openness to new ideas, based on the notion of third place. Much like coffee shops, ice cream parlors offer a place between work and home, where people can share ideas, discuss opinions, and create change. With that we take our inspiration for this project.
We invite you to share your thoughts and ideas with us via social media. You can find us on Instagram at Cornell_layersoflife. There you will find facts about climate change, chats with experts, and a recipe or two for ice cream (dairy and non-dairy based).
The Science Behind the Scoop
Did you know that informal STEM learning experiences, like our interactive exhibit and ice cream project, can significantly enhance motivation to learn (Roschelle et al., 2017)? By combining hands-on learning with the enjoyment of ice cream, we aim to tap into people's natural curiosity, regardless of their educational background (Powell et al., 2018).
Moreover, recent research suggests that food can be a powerful educational tool for addressing climate change (Schuldt, Eiseman, Hoffmann, 2022). Our ice cream project seeks to leverage the emotional and cultural connections we have with food to initiate meaningful discussions about climate and the environment within our community.
The idea for creating an ice cream as a public engagement tool in environmental education was initially proposed by a group of Cornell Communication students for a course project in partnerships with PRI. The students were asked by the to develop a communication campaign to promote the new Layers of Life exhibit. A central component of the campaign was to develop an ice cream inspired by the exhibit. The goal of the student project was to increase awareness of the environmental education exhibit while also educating the Ithaca community about local environmental issues. Over the past two years, Cornell students and faculty have been working on the ice cream, and on developing ideas to foster community discussions about climate change and the local environment through ice cream.
Ice Cream and 'Third Place'
Step into a world of warmth, community, and connection – welcome to the realm of "third places." Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, these are the physical spaces where people gather outside of home and work to socialize, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Think of your favorite café, neighborhood pub, or local library – these are the heartbeats of our communities, where strangers become friends and neighbors share stories.
At the heart of the third place concept is the recognition that human connections thrive in environments that foster face-to-face interaction. Despite the rise of digital communication, nothing can replace the sense of belonging and camaraderie found in these physical spaces. Whether it's over a cup of coffee or a pint of beer, conversation flows freely, and friendships blossom.
Historically, third places have played crucial roles in society. From the coffeehouses of 17th-century England, where political discourse flourished, to the Viennese cafés that served as hubs of intellectual and cultural exchange, these spaces have shaped our collective identity and fostered a sense of community.
Today, as we navigate a rapidly changing world, the importance of third places cannot be overstated. They provide a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a sanctuary where we can unwind, connect, and recharge. In a society increasingly characterized by digital isolation, third places offer a tangible reminder of the power of human connection.
As we strive to create vibrant and inclusive communities, it's essential to prioritize the preservation and promotion of third places. Whether through urban planning initiatives, support for local businesses, or simply by patronizing our favorite neighborhood spots, we can all play a role in nurturing these vital spaces.
So, the next time you're craving connection or seeking a sense of belonging, consider stepping into your local café or pub. You never know – you might just find yourself at the heart of a thriving third place community.
Chill out for change
Not in Ithaca, consider hosting your own frosty fiesta with as part of our "Chill Out for Change" ice cream socials campaign! We encourage you to experiment with your own ice cream flavors and toppings to host an event that sparks discussion about climate change. These engaging events can take place in public spaces such as universities, libraries, and parks, offering attendees the chance to enjoy sweet treats while learning about climate change.
Our approach includes:
- A variety of ice cream flavors and toppings sourced from local shops, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
- Interactive elements such as climate-themed trivia games and eco-craft stations, making learning both entertaining and educational.
- Opportunities for attendees to pledge small, sustainable actions to reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to a greener world.
To spread the word and maximize participation, we've crafted a variety of promotional options:
- Utilize our catchy event hashtag, #ChillOutForChange, and encourage attendees to share their experiences on social media platforms.
- Collaborate with environmental influencers and local celebrities to co-host events, amplifying our message to a broader audience.
- Partner with local businesses and organizations to sponsor ice cream socials and provide eco-friendly giveaways, incentivizing community involvement.
Together, let's put the freeze on climate change and scoop up solutions one ice cream cone at a time! Join us in making a difference at Layers of Life Ice Cream's "Chill Out for Change" events.
The Layers of Life Ice Cream
The Layers of Life ice cream is inspired by the Layers of Life exhibit at the Cayuga Nature Center as well as the nostalgic flavor of Neapolitan ice cream. The flavors are quite different than what you would expect.
The Top layer represents the outer limits of the stratosphere to the tips of the leaves in the forests.
The middle layer represents the tips of the leaves all the way down to the roots deep in the earth's crust, and all life in between.
The bottom layer represents the molten mineral core of the planet.
Premium vanilla ice cream - the delicious base for many of the Cornell Dairy ice cream flavors but also decadent on its own.
Allergens: Milk
Ingredients: Milk, Cream, Sugar, Corn Syrup Solids, Skim Milk, , Stabilizer (Microcrystalline cellulose, Mono & Diglycerides, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan, Maltodextrin), Pure Vanilla, Chocolate, mushroom extract, beet extract.
The team
Danielle L. Eiseman, Ph.D., teaches in the Cornell Brooks MPA program at Cornell University. Danielle holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Miami University, a Master’s degree in Marketing and Economics from DePaul University, a Master’s degree in Carbon Management from the University of Edinburgh, and a Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University in Consumer Behavior, as well as a Culinary Arts degree for the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. Danielle has worked on local and community collaborations; public engagement with climate action planning; and stakeholder engagement in the local, state, national, and international policy on adaptation and mitigation. Danielle’s research is focused on climate change impacts and action at the intersection of food access and policy, the use of stand-up comedy and storytelling to promote public engagement in science, and media effects on public support for climate change policy. She is co-author of Our Changing Menu: Climate Change and the Foods we Love and Need.
Christopher Loss, Ph.D. the Louis Pasteur Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Food Science at Cornell University. Chris is a scientist and educator harnessing the culinary medium to develop cross-disciplinary research projects and inquiry-based experiential curricula. His research focuses on connections between health, flavor perception, and the microbial ecology of food and cooking. Chris holds a Doctorate, Masters, and Bachelors in Food Science, all earned from Cornell University. Dr. Loss also earned an Associates Degree, in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America.
Dr. Loss is leading a team of Food Science students, who are working diligently developing the flavor of the ice cream and overall concept.
The Paleontological Research Institution Climate Change team is onboard to provide feedback throughout the project. The team is helping to develop the new Layers of Life exhibit at the Cayuga Nature Center. We will coordinate the development of the ice cream and survey materials with the team at PRI, as well as sampling activities when the exhibit opens in spring 2024.
Michael Hoffmann - mentoring professor, on the project. Mike Hoffmann is dedicating his life to confronting the grand challenge of climate change and helping people understand and appreciate what is happening through the foods we all love and need. He has published climate change articles in the popular press - The Hill, Fortune, Medium, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, and USA Today and is the lead author of Our changing menu: Climate change and the foods we love and need (Cornell Press 2021). Mike’s life experiences include growing up on a one-cow dairy farm, having a pet crow named Carl, and serving in the Marines. His professional career includes holding multiple leadership roles in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, including Associate Dean and Director of the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station. He received his BS Degree from the University of Wisconsin, MS from the University of Arizona, and Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. He now holds the title of Professor Emeritus. He will tell the climate change story, until he no longer can.
Try our survey!
The response to the ice cream thus far has been outstanding and people have been asking where they can purchase the Layers of Life ice cream. Although the ice cream is not available commercially (yet) we are working diligently to make the ice cream available in the future. In addition to improving the ice cream we are exploring how the ice cream may lead to more discussions about our local environment and the changing climate. Even if you haven't tasted the ice cream we would love it if you would try out our survey as we try to understand the relationship between food experiences and curiosity in science and climate change.
If you would like to take our survey you can access it here.
And if you would like to learn more about climate change, scroll down to see our Climate Change 101 primer.
Climate change 101
How does the climate change? Our climate changes through changes in the levels of certain gases we have in the atmosphere, the air that surrounds our planet. Those gases, which we call greenhouse gases, trap heat and energy inside the earth, causing the overall global temperature to increase. How this works is heat and energy from the sun hit the earth’s surface; some gets reflected back to outer space and some is absorbed by the earth. The earth then re-radiates energy outward, but these greenhouse gases which have accumulated over time trap in a lot of that energy, keeping heat inside the atmosphere. We call them greenhouse gases (GHGs) because they keep the earth warm, just like a greenhouse.
There are 6 main GHGs.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Methane (CH4)
- Nitrous oxide (N20)
- Ozone (O3)
- Chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons (CFCs and HFCs)
- Water vapor (H20)
Without the natural level of greenhouse gases our planet could be a giant ball of ice, much like it was 700 million years ago. The average global temperature would be roughly 0 degrees Fahrenheit. So we do need certain levels of GHGs, but what we have seen since the start of the industrial revolution is that the level of these gases is increasing! So much so that it is raising the average global temperature.
How does climate change affect the world around us?
There is a lack in understanding from a wide range of the population as to what a changing climate means. What are the impacts and what does it even look like? Not all of the impacts of climate change are easily visible.
Some impacts we are starting to face regularly include, an increased number of heatwaves, rising sea levels, increased number of intense rainfall events. The northeast has seen a 71% increase in the number of heavy rainfall events since 1958. Increased instances of drought and wildfires in the west. Not to mention an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather climate events. In 2017 there were 16 billion-dollar disasters reported, totalling over 300 billion dollars in damages for the year. The number of events since 1980 has been 6, but in the last decade we have seen that number climb.
Air quality and heat stress
Increased pollutants in the air combined with higher levels of carbon dioxide affect not only the air quality, but also human health. Climate change affects human health in a number of ways. Heat waves are a cause of concern. This is because extreme heat can be stressful on humans and if the temperature does not cool down adequately at night, it can lead to death among vulnerable populations such as older people. Climate change causes increased temperatures and shifting seasons, more extreme weather, sea level rise and increasing levels of greenhouse gases and pollutants affect our air quality. It is important to note, that the health impacts of climate change affect certain subpopulations differently. People with physiological sensitivity, various socioeconomic factors, and geography can contribute to an increased risk for climate health stressors.
Climate change disproportionately threatens certain populations, like children, pregnant women, the elderly, low-income communities, impoverished people with chronic conditions, those with mobility or cognitive limitations, the underserved, and some minority communities. So it is extremely important to consider how vulnerable populations will be affected by climate change and any solutions put in place ensure fair and equitable treatment for all people.
Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea level rise and higher levels of carbon dioxide affect different aspects of human health. For example, increasing levels of carbon dioxide leads to environmental degradation and impacts our food and water supply. These in turn result in malnutrition, forced migration, civil conflict and stress, to name a few.
Both changes in precipitation and longer, warm seasons have led to an increase in vector borne diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Because the warmer seasons are getting longer and the average temperature is increasing ticks are moving north and aren’t getting killed off as much. With more ticks means comes Lyme disease. The number of cases of Lyme disease doubled between 1991 and 2013. We have also experienced a significant increase in West Nile virus, and there could be a number of other diseases we need to monitor in the future. For those of us with allergies and asthma, increases in pollution can have significant effects on the respiratory system, which has resulted in more emergency room visits. In Minneapolis, MN the ragweed season increased by 21 days, which is a common allergy.
Our oceans are being impacted
The world's oceans are becoming acidic, as much as 30% higher, as they absorb carbon dioxide. The changing acidity level of oceans poses a risk to shell-forming ocean life and the food chain.
Ocean levels are rising due to warming of water, known as thermal expansion, and increasing melt waters from glaciers. Sea levels were predicted to rise by up to 3 feet by the end of the century, however, recent research suggests the rate of sea level rise is occurring more rapidly than previously predicted.
Crops are already showing impacts. Plants are blooming earlier because winter is ending earlier. This is the general trend- even though a particular winter could be very cold, that is not necessarily a reflection that climate change is not occurring. The general trend is still showing a warming over time.
In France, harvests are roughly 10 days earlier than normal due to warming temperatures speeding up crop development. In Italy, early spring frosts, temperatures above preindustrial levels, and a general decline in precipitation resulted in a 57% drop in 2019's olive harvest. Climate-related events across the Mediterranean that year resulted in the poorest regional harvest in 25-years. Apples are blooming 8 days earlier than they were in the 1960s. Lilacs are blooming 4 days earlier.
Yes, higher levels of Carbon Dioxide are beneficial to 95% of crops, but the benefits are offset by higher temperatures and increasing water stress. These changes also mean that weeds are more difficult to control. And as plants absorb more carbon dioxide, the level of carbohydrates increase and levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals decrease. This can have significant impacts on human nutrition (Ziska, USDA, ARS; Evich, 2017, Dong 2018, Smith and Myers, 2018).
Questions? Contact, Dr. Danielle Eiseman to learn more about the project: dle58@cornell.edu