The American Geophysical Union is developing the Thriving Earth Exchange to connect communities, scientists, and funders (or Seekers, Solvers, and Sponsors in the language of the Exchange) and bring Earth and Space science to bear on local challenges.
Program Director Raj Pandya explains the Thriving Earth Exchange this way: “Communities post their challenges; scientists suggest solutions; judges select the best solutions; the scientists get a financial reward; and the scientists, communities, and sponsors have the chance to work together to implement those solutions.”
“Right now, we have two pilot challenges,” says Pandya, “and one of them seems particularly relevant to the Unidata community: An economic development district in south-central Kentucky that wants more locally-tailored drought information from their mesonet.”
Unidata community members interested in participating in the Exchange are encouraged to register as a Solver and receive updates on challenges in their areas of expertise and interest. They can also submit short proposals for the Kentucky challenge or browse other open challenges. The challenge center explains how Seekers can work with AGU to refine and post their community's scientific challenges.
As the planet changes, communities with knowledge of how those changes are occurring will be better able to protect themselves and advance their interests. Through the Exchange, Earth scientists can help communities develop that knowledge and be more effective in their planning and management programs. In the process, scientists gain valuable real-world experience and use their expertise to make a tangible difference.
