The Desert Research Institute is joining a consortium with UNLV, the National Science Foundation and others to examine climate change.
Specifically, the consortium will focus on confronting the climate challenges facing the desert Southwest and will look to spur economic development in the region.
"The effects of climate change are acutely evident in the American West and Southwest, from the desertification of Utah’s Great Salt Lake to the record-breaking extreme heat in Arizona and the dwindling supply of the Colorado River reaching Nevada," said UNLV in a statement confirming the consortium.
The statement says a project, called NSF Engines: Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine, will use the challenges of climate change to catalyze economic opportunity.
The hope is to do this by establishing the Southwest as a leader in carbon capture, water security, and renewable energy and bring high-wage industries to the region.
The NSF will fund initial development and growth of the Innovation Engine with $15 million over the next two years. The engine can be renewed for up to 10 years with $160 million in funding available.
Arizona State University is also a part of the Engine, as are the University of Utah, the Water Research Foundation, SciTech Institute and Maricopa Community Colleges.
