PANAMA CITY - In a recent gathering of the Hurricane Committee in Panama City, Professor Scott Glenn of Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership revealed an upcoming collaboration with the Meteorological Service of Curaçao. Together, they will launch a sea robot expedition, embarking from Puerto Rico and journeying to Curaçao, to explore the Caribbean Sea.
The initiative comes in response to the escalating impact of climate change, highlighting the urgency for comprehensive oceanic observations, research, and monitoring.
Aligned with the global effort to address climate challenges, the United Nations has designated the decade spanning from 2021 to 2030 as the "Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development." This initiative aims to bolster oceanic research through innovative approaches, recognizing its pivotal role in mitigating climate risks.
In regions vulnerable to hurricanes, such as the Caribbean, the inclusion of additional ocean parameters becomes imperative. Understanding factors like ocean heat content, salinity concentration, and mixing dynamics is crucial for accurate hurricane trajectory and intensity forecasts, aiding meteorological services in community alert systems.
Preparations for this groundbreaking project are underway, with Rutgers University scientists, alongside experts from the Ocean Glider Laboratory in the Virgin Islands, set to collaborate closely with the Meteorological Service of Curaçao.
Expressing satisfaction with the endeavor, Minister Charles Cooper affirmed continued support for initiatives enhancing the capabilities of the Meteorological Service, particularly in the realms of severe weather and climate change.
The project receives funding from the G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation, dedicated to advancing research in climate, weather, ecosystems, and capacity development across the Caribbean.
Furthermore, the University of Curaçao stands poised to contribute to this significant study, symbolizing a collaborative effort towards advancing climate research and resilience.
Photo Caption: In the accompanying photograph, Professor Scott Glenn of Rutgers University Center for Ocean Observing Leadership extends congratulations to Dr. Albert Martis, Director of the Meteorological Service of Curaçao, signaling the commencement of this critical collaboration.
