Time period
2024–2028
Leading organisation(s) and partners / PI(s):
Principal Investigator: Dr. Mathias Vuille, The University at Albany, US
Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Kristen Rasmussen, Colorado State University, US. Dr. Bryan G. Mark, Ohio State University, US
About AccelNet-ACCORD
Climate change is recognized as one of the most significant challenges facing humanity in the twenty-first century and beyond. The Andes are considered particularly vulnerable to climate change due to their critical function as “water towers” for surrounding regions. In Argentina and Chile alone, more than 25 million people depend on water resources originating in the Andes. However, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the current pace and scope of adaptation remain insufficient. Consequently, the Andes have been identified by the IPCC as a high-risk region for livelihoods and economies because of projected future water scarcity.
At the same time, the Andes constitute a unique scientific laboratory, extending nearly 9,000 kilometres from tropical and subtropical zones to mid- and high-latitude climates. The mountain range exerts a profound influence on global hydroclimate and high-impact weather events, presenting a distinctive set of challenges for climate impact analysis and adaptation. Reducing uncertainties surrounding future climate change impacts in the Andes is therefore regarded as a major scientific challenge, requiring close collaboration among international networks focused on Andean climate change.
To address this challenge, the ACCORD network of networks was established. The overarching objective of ACCORD is to develop the first multidisciplinary network dedicated to climate change research across the Andes by bringing together the transdisciplinary expertise of scientists from leading international networks. Through this collaborative approach, scientific advances are intended to be achieved in areas that have previously remained difficult to address due to their interdisciplinary and international dimensions. ACCORD is funded through the NSF AccelNet programme.
In addition, ACCORD is intended to contribute to the training of the next generation of scientists capable of addressing major scientific challenges. Students and early-career researchers are being engaged through opportunities for interdisciplinary research abroad, participation in the organization of an international online seminar series, and involvement in international summer schools and a high-resolution climate modelling workshop.
Research findings and scientific advances generated through ACCORD are also intended to be communicated to policymakers, decision-makers, government agencies, stakeholders such as water managers, and the wider public. To support this objective, model simulations are being translated into interactive online visualization tools designed to improve accessibility and engagement.
MRI Support for ACCORD
The MRI contributes to ACCORD by providing links to existing hydroclimatic data and information resources curated by GEO Mountains, sourcing additional expertise as needed from the MRI Membership (Expert Database), and helping to transfer the research advancements made into policy impact.
ACCORD Funding
ACCORD is funded by the US National Science Foundation AccelNet program.
Project Contact
Ms. Siyao Du, Project Manager
Email: sdu4(at)albany.edu9