Three weeks ago, the long-fabled Northwest Passage over Canada opened up for the first time in recorded history, proving that man’s influence on the world’s climate is, indeed, increasing. Unlike George W., this comes as no surprise to many WNYers, several of whom have actively taken up the fight against climate change in their own homes and work places. This weekend’s Tour of Solar Homes & Green Buildings features the work they’re doing, from installing solar panels on their rooftops (UB Green, pictured above) and super-insulating their walls (Walter Simpson) to digging wells for geothermal heating and cooling. That final improvement was also adopted at Ani DiFranco’s “Babeville” (the start of the 2006 tour), as well as at the Darwin Martin House, which is the starting point for this year’s tour. The idea of the tour, which visits 10 sites throughout Western New York, is not only to celebrate environmentally conscious building but to promote it to those who are on the tour. The tour lasts from 10am to 4pm, and can be self-guided. UB Green’s Walter Simpson will speak at the kickoff press conference, and Wind Action Group’s Bill Nowak will speak about Steel Winds at 2pm at the Small Boat Harbor. For more info on the buildings included, visit www.nesea.org.

Saturday, October 6 at 10am. Darwin Martin House, 125 Jewett Parkway (773-2478) FREE.