Bill Nye Teams Up With Chabot to Monitor Climate

If you didn't believe Al Gore when he warned you about climate change, maybe you'll trust Bill Nye.

A new exhibit at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland encourages visitors to become "climate scouts." That means you will assist in inspecting the natural world for evidence of climate change. It's hosted by the friendly scientist from the TV show "Bill Nye the Science Guy," who appears throughout the center in encouraging video messages.

The "Bill Nye’s Climate Lab" exhibit also reveals details about the work of climatologists who study natural phenomena to ascertain the extent of humans' impact on the Earth. In addition, visitors will learn about new efforts to stem the imbalance caused by pollution and human meddling into atmospheric conditions.

For example, exhibits demonstrate how whirlpools and wind can be harnessed to generate energy, rather than relying on air-clogging gasoline.

There's even a competitive aspect to the exhibit. Visitors can accrue "solutions" by interacting with demonstrations, comparing their own discovers to those of their peers. After you're done, you can visit billsclimatelab.org to revisit the experience.

It may be hard to envision global warming when we're in the grips of a cold spell around the state. But of course, climate and weather are two very different things.

Bill's been in the headlines a lot lately: recently, when delivering a lecture at the University of Southern California, he fainted on stage. After a quick recovery, his voice faltered and he had to leave the stage to rest. After wards, he blamed a busy schedule, hunger, and exhaustion for the fainting spell.