Midwest teams up with NASA for climate resilience

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln recently became the meeting ground for an ambitious initiative titled "Harnessing the Heartland," co-sponsored with NASA. This effort aims to unite scientists from across the Midwest and NASA in a collective fight against climate change, focusing on critical issues like drought, extreme wind events, and floods.

From February 26-28, stakeholders gathered to share concerns and brainstorm collaborative solutions that leverage the strengths of universities, NASA, and the private sector for the betterment of regional climate sustainability.

The conference led to further strategy sessions at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where ideas to tackle climate-related environmental health challenges were developed.

Robert Swap of NASA's Earth Science Division underscored the mission's goal to generate actionable research and improve decision-making for enhancing livelihoods and weather understanding.

Jeanette Thurston highlighted the importance of cross-regional collaboration, emphasizing the leverage of diverse expertise and resources to address climate change impacts. This initiative values input from local communities, avoiding a top-down approach, and fostering grassroots strategies.

Eric Hunt, co-originator of the conference, stressed the potential for creating innovative partnerships through shared knowledge on climate research and data collection.

Larkin Powell, from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and Craig Allen, also echoed the sentiment of collaborative opportunity, particularly in integrating data collection to enhance climate modeling.

The Nebraska Mesonet, with its network of weather-data stations, stands as a promising partner for NASA in validating satellite data. This collaboration signifies a step forward in refining climate models and supporting vulnerable communities affected by climate variability.

Michael Hayes and other faculty members are engaging in federally funded projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience among native tribes and women landowners.

The university's commitment to climate science and stakeholder engagement is further demonstrated by an $80,000 planning grant aimed at establishing the Great Plains Community Climate Resilience Institute.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in Nebraska's long history of collaboration with NASA's Earth Science Division, further cementing its role in advancing climate resilience discussions and actions.

Through the Harnessing the Heartland initiative, the Midwest and its partners, including NASA, are setting a course for innovative climate resilience strategies, showcasing a unified front in the battle against climate change impacts on agriculture and communities.

Photo Credit -nebraska-extenstion