International Research and Applications (IRAP)

“From using machine learning to develop critical atmospheric datasets to creating an experimental system for rapidly assessing causes of extreme events, these new awards will expedite climate science discoveries and build the library of resilience solutions needed to protect all sectors of our economy and environment.”

Researchers funded by CPO's Climate and Societal Interactions (CSI) Division utilize partnerships and engagement activities to develop knowledge and decision support tools that can better address the risk management needs of specific sectors and stakeholders.

Results show that both the onset and size of the 2018 dengue outbreak in Réunion island could have been accurately predicted two weeks in advance, with some accuracy three to four weeks in advance — enough time for enhanced preparedness measures.

In recent years, there has been an alarming uptick in the number and geographic spread of mosquito-borne diseases, and the places where mosquitoes can thrive due to the temperature and precipitation of the area are shifting and growing as global temperatures rise and precipitation becomes more variable.

The system tracks places and times in the United States and neighboring regions when climate factors might enhance transmission of illnesses like Zika, dengue fever, and chikungunya spread by species of Aedes mosquitoes.