Arctic Climate Data Collection Receives $1 Million in Funding

Introduction

The U.S. Commerce Department and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have recently announced a significant step towards improving the collection of Arctic climate data. This crucial initiative is aimed at addressing the urgent need for action in the warming U.S. Arctic region, particularly Alaska.

Funding for Climate Resilience

As part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which focuses on clean energy development, a generous $1 million in funding has been allocated. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that this funding will not only provide data and tools to build climate resilience but also strengthen the economy and national security.

Grant Proposals to Enhance Climate and Data Collection

The $1 million funding will be utilized to seek grant proposals from institutions of higher education, nonprofits, and commercial organizations. The primary objective is to enhance climate and data collection, with a specific emphasis on benefiting Alaskan communities.

Supporting Alaskan Rural and Indigenous Communities

NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad highlighted that the call for grant proposals is not only intended to gather essential data but also to support Alaskan rural and Indigenous communities. By providing these communities with environmental information, they will be better equipped to make informed decisions in the face of a changing climate.

The Urgency of Action

The most recent NOAA National Climate Assessment has revealed alarming statistics. Alaska is warming at a rate two to three times faster than the lower 48 states, while the Arctic as a whole is warming nearly four times faster than the global average.

Read More of this Story at www.voanews.com – 2023-12-08 22:33:59

Read More US Economic News