Space And The Neighborhood: JPL, UCLA Team Focus On Climate Change and So Cal

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One important way to derive social value from space assets is use space capability at the state, regional and local level. NASA and Cal Tech's JPL and UCLA are doing just that, with a focus on understanding climate change in the Southern California region. Keeping So Cal livable will also keep the global regional leader in innovation, and a magnet for skilled workers who want the fabulous California lifestyle .

Source: UCLA Newsroom March 13, 2008

UCLA and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have formed a research institute to better understand and predict regional environmental and climate change and support future space missions.

The Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering will examine relationships between global climate change and Southern California weather and climate patterns and the environment. The effort combines UCLA's strength in climate modeling and remote sensing and JPL's strength in data collection from satellites.

"The effect of global climate change on local ecosystems, water resources and weather patterns is a critical research endeavor with profound implications on the lives of Southern Californians and on public policy," said UCLA Acting Chancellor Norman Abrams. "UCLA's partnership with JPL enables us to accomplish goals that neither of us could achieve on our own. We value collaborations such as this that make it possible for UCLA to ensure maximum benefit to society."

"Understanding the causes and effects of climate change is of paramount importance globally and locally," said JPL Director Charles Elachi. "This institute blends the unique strengths and resources of two world-class research organizations. The research results will pave the way for future Earth-observing missions and help improve the quality of life for all Southern Californians and nationwide."