Breathing is something we often take for granted. What if I told you there’s a place dedicated to understanding the very air we breathe? That place is the Instituto de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y Cambio Climático, previously known as Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera.
The Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera began its journey in 1977. Julián Adem, a visionary Mexican scientist, founded it. In September 2021, it transformed into the Instituto de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y Cambio Climático.
The Instituto de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y Cambio Climático resides on the Ciudad Universitaria campus in Mexico City. It’s a hub of activity. Scientists work tirelessly here. They study atmospheric and environmental sciences. Their goal is to develop and promote these sciences in Mexico. They aim to generate knowledge. The instituto also trains specialists in various related fields.
What kind of projects does the Instituto de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y Cambio Climático undertake? One major project is the Red Universitaria de Observatorios Atmosféricos. This network offers crucial atmospheric data. It helps tackle air pollution. It addresses climate change concerns. It aids in food security. It even contributes to managing water resources.
Another key project is the Unidad de Informática para las Ciencias Atmosféricas y Ambientales. This unit creates the Atlas Climático de México. It’s an interactive tool. It visually represents climate data about Mexico.
The Programa de Estaciones Meteorológicas del Bachillerato Universitario is also coordinated. This program links teaching and research. It connects different educational levels within UNAM. It also involves scientific research.
The Instituto de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y Cambio Climático is also responsible for the Red Mexicana de Aerobiología. This network displays prevalent pollen types. It shows their concentration levels in the air throughout the year.
But that’s not all. The Instituto de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y Cambio Climático also provides forecasts. These forecasts serve educational and research purposes. You can find meteorological forecasts there. Wave and storm surge forecasts are available too. They also predict ash dispersion. Air quality forecasts are also provided.
In October 2014, the Atlas Climático de México earned the Premio a la Excelencia en Aplicación Geoespacial. This award recognized its excellence in geospatial application.
The Atmospheric Composition Observatory, or OMECCA, is a joint initiative. It involves the AEM, ICACC at UNAM, and INECC. Located in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, it began operations in November 2023. OMECCA focuses on understanding climate change. It measures carbon dioxide and other pollutants. It is the first of its kind in Latin America.
Michel Grutter de la Mora, ICACC’s Spectroscopy and Remote Sensing Director, emphasizes OMECCA’s technology. It enables detailed measurements of carbon and water vapor flows. This supports satellite observations.
Adán Salazar from AEM explains how OMECCA works. Comparing satellite data with surface measurements provides insight. It provides more insight into climate change effects.
Isn’t it remarkable how much effort goes into understanding something as fundamental as the air around us? The Instituto de Ciencias de la Atmósfera y Cambio Climático plays a vital role. It contributes to our understanding of the atmosphere. It helps us address pressing environmental issues. It’s a place where science meets the sky.