Drawing momentum from the historic Paris Climate Treaty Agreement that took place in December 2015, Dr. Ross Salawitch and AOSC colleagues Dr. Tim Canty, Brian Bennett, Walt Tribett and Austin Hope recently published, “Paris Climate Agreement: Beacon of Hope,” a book which analyzes the greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions necessary to limit global warming to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius. “Paris Climate Agreement: Beacon of Hope,” illustrates this rise in global mean surface temperature is attainable as long as intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) of emissions are adhered to and propagated forward to the year 2060. The authors show that the Paris goals are possible through their development of a global climate model (EM-GC), which concluded GHGs must only follow the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP)-4.5 for the target warming to occur. This pathway is more optimistic and realistically attainable than what previous global climate models (GCMS) had prescribed countries must follow. The book concluded that current GCMS likely represented climate feedback in a manner that amplified the radiative forcing due to GHGs too strongly. Still, to achieve RCP 4.5 half of the world’s global energy must come from renewable sources by the year 2060. “This will require a large-scale transfer of technology and capital from the developed to the developing world,” said Salawitch.

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Paris Beacon of Hope

The Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Science (AOSC) at the University of Maryland invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in data assimilation. The successful candidate is expected to be a leader in the development of advanced methodologies in atmospheric, ocean, land surface, cryospheric, and biogeochemical data assimilation, and to develop an independently funded program building on the activities of the thriving interdisciplinary weather and chaos group. Preference will be given to candidates who will further strengthen the collaboration between the University and nearby national laboratories including: NOAA’s National Weather Service and its National Centers for Environmental Prediction, NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service and its Center for Satellite Applications and Research and Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation, NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, and the Naval Research Laboratory. The candidate should demonstrate research accomplishments of originality and depth with the potential to be an international scientific leader in data assimilation. The candidate should also have a strong commitment to the educational mission of the Department, including graduate student mentoring.

The Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Science especially encourages applications from women, underrepresented minorities and those who can contribute to a climate of inclusivity. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, students and groups are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas.

To apply: http://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/52722

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. UMD is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected status in all aspects of employment. UMD is actively engaged in recruiting, hiring, and promoting underrepresented communities; minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.