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Many find the worry about exceeding a 2° Celsius (3.6°F) increase in global average temperature at best an abstract idea. Such a temperature increase seems minor – some might argue that a 2°C change may not even be noticeable on any given day. However, the impacts of a higher average temperature have far more discernable impacts to those living along U.S. coastlines where changes caused by rising sea levels resulting from warming climate have appreciable consequences.
Predicting the future is never easy, which is why future-oriented climate research considers multiple alternative scenarios. Since human activities have been influencing the climate, this means that scenarios must estimate how human behavior and societal dynamics might influence future climate change.
Scientists spent a day talking to Congressional staffers in late February about the impacts of climate change on the United States. Among these were National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) scientists, Mary Hayden and Rick Katz. Hayden and Katz, teamed with scientists from other organizations, had the opportunity to meet with legislators from a variety of states. Each team focused on the various national legislators’ state- and district-relevant climate issues.
Despite the large and growing number of Latinos in the United States, this population remains severely underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math-related (STEM) professions – making up less than 5% of the nation’s STEM workforce.
Studies show that a diversity of opinions, backgrounds, and experiences stimulates ideas and innovation in business, science, and technology. Broadening the variety of perspectives on a problem diminishes the tendency of “group think” and increases the potential for advancing technology and industry or addressing societal issues in new ways.
The sixth annual National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Journalism Fellowship will run from July 8 – 12, 2013. The fellowship provides journalists with a rare opportunity to learn about cutting-edge atmospheric research and its implications for society.
While scientists are critical drivers of scientific discovery, other actors contribute to the testing of theories that lead up to research breakthroughs. The expertise of engineers, technicians, and data specialists, among others, plays a role in advancing the frontiers of human knowledge. Successful research hinges on the contributions of the entire scientific team, including those creating the tools, collecting data, developing software, keeping observing platforms running, and gathering and validating observations and measurements.
Some organizations and scientists, particularly in areas of emerging science, approach research as an opportunity to consult with the public and decision makers to identify questions that may gain from societal input. Building from these ideas, they design a research protocol with community needs in mind. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research’s (UCAR) education and engagement team, Spark, has shifted some program designs to take just such a societal-questions-first approach.
In 2005, the National Center for Atmospheric (NCAR) completed the retrofitting of a Gulfstream-V (GV) research aircraft, equipping it to take detailed measurements of the atmosphere. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), funds were held in reserve to support development of additional research tools for the plane. Among the instruments deemed useful but not included in the original GV specifications was a lidar system.
Changing climate will directly affect the global hydrologic cycle. Many of these effects will be felt regionally, with, for example, potential for flooding or drought increasing. In addition, changes to water quality, quantity, and supply reliability may have effects on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and agricultural and energy production, among other ecosystems and economic sectors.
Multiagency study combines research flights, advanced computer models To better predict where thunderstorms will rip across the central United States this spring, researchers are teaming a high-flying aircraft with fine-grained computer simulations. 
Custom forecasting systems to increase reliability of solar and wind energyThe custom forecasting systems are designed to increase the reliability of solar and wind energy. 
Reducing short-lived pollutants could have major impactReducing emissions of four shorter-lived pollutants could slow the annual rate of sea level rise by up to 50 percent. 
Leader for education and research supportEmily CoBabe-Ammann, an experienced manager and strategist in science and education programs, is the new director of UCAR Community Programs effective April 15. 
The main source of online weather training for meteorologists, emergency managers, and others is seeking donations to try to stay in business. 
International recognition lauds sustainable design and implementationNCAR has won international recognition for its sustainable approach in designing and building the NWSC. 
The new office will advocate for UCAR's members, seek new funding opportunitiesThe new office will advocate for UCAR's member universities and also seek business opportunities with companies and foundations. 