RENO – The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has announced an investment of $56 million in 11 projects, spanning a total of 21 institutions in 19 jurisdictions, through NSF’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). The University of Nevada, Reno is included in a $6 million award in a three-state collaborative project to address climate change in underserved rural communities.
The project, “Where We Live (W2L): Local and Place Based Adaptation to Climate Change in Underserved Rural Communities,” will advance research, education, workforce development and partnerships among Idaho, South Carolina and Nevada – communities and landscapes each experiencing drought, heat and wildfires. The University of Idaho, leading the project, will receive approximately $2.44 million over four years. The University of Nevada, Reno and University of South Carolina will each receive about $1.77 during that same time span.
Under the program, researchers will partner with local, state, tribal and federal organizations in rural communities. These communities constitute nearly 84% of the United States land area and are home to only 14% of the population. These areas serve as critical sources of food, freshwater, wildlife habitat and energy as well as supporting carbon sequestration, education, recreation and tourism.
This collaborative research project brings together a number of scientists across academic disciplines in all three states to look at differences in climate change impact perception and adaptation across the country, as Idaho, Nevada and South Carolina are experiencing varied types of effects from environmental change – drought, heat and wildfire.
“Understanding the perspectives of rural areas in our three states as they confront these challenges is critical to expanding and accommodating the diversity of resilience experiences seen across the nation,” Susan Cutter, lead of the University of South Carolina team and co-director of the Hazards Vulnerability and Resilience Institute, said.
The project is funded by NSF award 2316127. The FY23 funding for the University of Nevada, Reno is $888,482 for a total intended award amount of $1,775,748, which amounts to 100% of the federal share.
To learn more about this project and how to get involved, email singletaryl@unr.edu.