Monica Ainhorn Morrison
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momo-sophos.bsky.social
Monica Ainhorn Morrison
@momo-sophos.bsky.social
Philosopher of science & ethicist @ NSF NCAR, plant hoarder, dog enthusiast, moderate pessimist, retired gaffer
Reposted by Monica Ainhorn Morrison
Things are going from bad to worse at NSF; www.science.org/content/arti...
Exclusive: NSF faces radical shake-up as officials abolish its 37 divisions
Changes seen as a response to presidential directives on what research to fund
www.science.org
May 8, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Our paper defining actionable scientific results for sea level rise has been published. We look at the implications of using the conclusions of novel studies published in high impact journals in near-term decisions. egusphere.copernicus.org/preprints/20...
Brief communication: Sea-level projections, adaptation planning, and actionable science
Abstract. As climate scientists seek to deliver actionable science for adaptation planning, there are risks in using novel results to inform decision-making. Premature acceptance can lead to maladapta...
egusphere.copernicus.org
December 23, 2024 at 9:06 PM
That note is a start, but we need recommendations like this to be the first thing people see, caveats on use contained as descriptive metadata, and more information on the potential implications of misuse.
I have a feeling that this recommendation will be ignored.

"NEX-DCP30-CMIP6 is intended for use in scientific research only. Its use for other purposes, such as commercial applications, engineering, or design studies is not recommended without expert engagement."
Downscaled daily CMIP6 projections of Tmax, Tmin, P, and e_a at ~1km resolution over the contiguous USA 🌊🧪 #climate
December 22, 2024 at 8:15 PM
Reposted by Monica Ainhorn Morrison
If you were to write a piece on carbon removal at the end of 2024, would it be about billionaires investing in a "gold rush"?

Or about flight from a sector that has no clear and durable business model, in the face of decreasing climatetech funding and net-zero talk?

www.nytimes.com/2024/12/22/c...
Removing Carbon From the Sky Could Be the Next Climate Gold Rush
Investors are betting that they can make a dent in global warming, and healthy profits, with companies that alter the atmosphere.
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2024 at 3:45 PM
Reposted by Monica Ainhorn Morrison
Important new study shows that the best way to power data centers is with solar microgrids!
Also, 1.5 million Germans have hung solar panels off their balconies this year, and now Spaniards are copying them!
Also, kids in Montana win huge climate fight!
billmckibben.substack.com/p/three-smal...
Three small Christmas presents
Court rulings, data centers, and something nice on the balcony
billmckibben.substack.com
December 19, 2024 at 9:33 PM
CESM Winter Working Group registration is open. We will have one for Climate Justice in Earth System Modeling later in the spring www.cesm.ucar.edu/events/worki...
CESM Working Group Meetings 2025 | Community Earth System Model
www.cesm.ucar.edu
December 19, 2024 at 5:13 PM
Reposted by Monica Ainhorn Morrison
Our new paper (led by @janasillmann.bsky.social) consolidates and refines a lot of the learning that took place at the @wcrpclimate.bsky.social Open Science Conference in Kigali, Rwanda last year. Paper led by session leaders and participants showing how extreme events link with climate services.
December 19, 2024 at 4:08 PM
Reposted by Monica Ainhorn Morrison
The reasons for insurance instability are complex, but not unknown. A combination of inflation, reinsurance, litigation, population growth, rising catastrophe loss costs, and higher hazard risk fueled by climate change all play a role.

This is a 50 state challenge.

www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Insurers Are Dropping Homeowners as Climate Shocks Worsen
Without insurance, it’s impossible to get a mortgage; without a mortgage, most Americans can’t buy a home.
www.nytimes.com
December 18, 2024 at 8:15 PM