Monday 11 July 2022

US awards $14m for better climate change predictions

The US has announced $14 million (£11.6m) in funding for projects aimed at improving climate change predictions.

The funds will be shared by 22 projects, which will advance fundamental scientific understanding of atmospheric processes, ranging from cloud formation to weather in the Arctic.

They will be conducted by faculty at 18 universities and two research organisations across 11 states, the District of Columbia and Canada, focusing on, for example, how clouds interact with aerosols, tiny particles suspended in the atmosphere such as volcanic ash and sea salt and how clouds and aerosols impact the amount of solar energy that reaches the Arctic and Antarctic surfaces.

The Department of Energy (DOE) believes expanding the scientific understanding of extreme weather and climate patterns is key to tackling the climate crisis and meeting the country's climate goals.

Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm said: “Climate-fuelled weather events from drought, to fires, to hurricanes and polar vortices are becoming more common and more intense and wreaking havoc on our communities.

“We must expand our understanding of changing weather patterns and equip scientists, researchers, and lawmakers with every possible tool to tackle the climate crisis. President Biden and DOE are committed to protecting American communities from extreme weather events and fighting climate change through critical investments in science and research that illuminate pathways to decarbonisation and broaden our scientific foundation.”