Federal Resilience Programs: NOAA Cooperative Institutes | Article

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been rapidly increasing over the last century due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels. This, coupled with a rise in other greenhouse gases such as methane, is contributing to global climate change. Climate change is already resulting in more severe weather, sea level rise, and adverse impacts on human health, which will worsen in the future. It is crucial that these impacts are researched and understood to better prepare for and adapt to a changing climate.

Federal programs, such as the Cooperative Institutes, can help make communities more resilient to climate change impacts and other environmental threats.

What are NOAA Cooperative Institutes?

Cooperative Institutes, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) but managed by consortia of top-rated academic and non-profit research institutions, host strong, long-term research collaborations between NOAA and its partners. Cooperative Institutes have different research themes, ranging from atmospheric research to oceanic exploration. NOAA currently supports 19 Cooperative Institutes involving 70 university and research institutes across the country—from Alaska to Florida and from Hawaii to Maine.

How do Cooperative Institutes relate to climate adaptation and resilience?

Cooperative Institutes “provide the scientific basis for national policy decisions in key environmental areas such as climate change, disaster reduction, air quality, non-indigenous species, and stratospheric ozone depletion,” according to NOAA. Research produced by the Cooperative Institutes can help decision-makers and communities better understand and prepare for climate impacts. Some institutes, such as the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, specifically focus on producing climate adaptation strategies.

How do Cooperative Institutes work?

Cooperative Institutes support research projects that align with NOAA’s goals, including understanding climate change impacts, preparing for weather-related events, ensuring healthy habitats, and improving the sustainability of coastal communities. These projects are often long-term collaborations between NOAA scientists and research partners to expand NOAA’s research capabilities.

Cooperative Institutes in Action: California

In 2017, the Cooperative Institute for Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Systems began a research project to better understand heat waves and their impact on human health in California. The research aimed to improve heat wave prediction and help inform policy to protect Californians, especially those in coastal communities, from the effects of heat waves that are being exacerbated by climate change. Several papers on the topic were published as a result of the research, and the researchers participated in several outreach events, including with students, to explain their findings.

What is the outcome of Cooperative Institutes?

Cooperative Institutes have produced thousands of scientific documents, including technical reports and journal articles, that support NOAA’s research and help its weather forecasting, ocean monitoring, and fisheries management. The scientific output includes research on a variety of topics from wildfires to drought to coral reefs. Many of the Cooperative Institutes also provide fellowships to students to help train the next generation of scientists.

What is the current state of Cooperative Institutes?

In 2021, Congress appropriated $14 million for the establishment of a new Cooperative Institute to focus on water challenges in the United States. Additionally, Congress encouraged NOAA to consider establishing a Cooperative Institute focused on coastal resilience and adaptation.

Author: Savannah Bertrand