Observatory. To be set up here

Observatory. To be set up here

C.M.W.Maó15/11/10 0:00
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The island has been selected as a Long Term Climatic Site (LCTS), one of eight that is to be set up by La Caixa and the Fundació Institut Català de Ciències del Clima (IC3)to form a European grid to study the impact of climate change. As in the case of the other observatories, that on Menorca will be set in natural surroundings and will allow climate observation in real time, enabling an analysis to be made of the impact at local, regional and international levels.

The project is the first of its kind to be set up in Europe and is the fruit of an agreement between La Caixa and IC3. The aim is to observe and investigate the impact of climate change and obtain the necessary details to be able to assess the effects of "greenhouse gases", not only at a local level but also internationally.

The Catalan savings bank will invest 6 million euros in the project over the 5 years it will take to develop the various phases of the scheme; the construction of the observatories, setting up control centres in CosmoCaixa Barcelona and Madrid; the calibration, maintenance and resolution of instruments at the observation points; the control and distribution of data; and educational activities.