Specialized join NASA to combat global warming

Specialized stated its support this week for the Sagan Center’s (not support Satan as I first read it) efforts to shed light on global warming and the investigation into the potential of life on other planets. Supported by the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NIA), the Sagan Center launches The High Lakes Project - First-Ever Expedition to Uncover Secrets about the Evolution of Life and its Adaptation to Climate Change.

Read the whole press release by clicking the Continue reading link below.

Supported by Specialized and NASA, the Sagan Centre’s High Lakes Project was launched to help demystify global warming and gauge the potential for life on other planets, especially Mars. This endeavor by the Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe (recently established at the SETI Institute) emphasizes the importance of demystifying society’s greatest environmental challenges— and promises to help scientists develop global sustainability solutions for the future. Located 20,000 feet above sea level, the High Lakes Project will explore the three frosty lakes and unique eco-systems near the summits of the Chilean and Bolivian Andes.

The High Lakes Project is funded by a grant from the NASA Astrobiology Institute, NIA, whose
support will cover all the technical development, training and certification and staffing. On
October 27th, a team of scientists, engineers, technicians and guides started the expedition and
will return home early December.

“The High Lakes project will enable scientists to see beyond the existing evidence gathered on
the degeneration of our climate,” Nathalie Cabrol, Planetary Geologist, and Principal Investigator;
“Our goal is to uncover insights that will help us build global sustainable solutions that lead to a
healthier environment. In addition, we hope to discover the potential for life on other planets such
as Mars.”

"For NASA this research represents an opportunity to develop and test new scientific research
techniques for extreme environments as an analog for planetary exploration," Randy Berthold,
NASA Diving Safety Officer. Dr. Berthold went on to say, “The unique challenges of diving at
near 20,000 feet will expose the team to stresses not unlike those which astronauts will be
subject to on the Moon and Mars".

As part of its commitment to make the world a greener place, Specialized is supplying the
SETI/NASA team with bicycles for the base camp, equipment and high-end clothing for use at
critical points during the expedition.

“This is the first high-peak exploration focused on the evolution of life in unique ecosystems and
its adaptation to climate change,” explained Specialized’s Founder and President Mike Sinyard.
“Specialized is fortunate to partner with NASA on a project we’re so passionate about - making
our world a better place in which to live.”

Among other things, their exploration will uncover how organisms respond to radical changes in
climate - information that will prove to be priceless during the battle with global climate change.
The High Lakes Project will also gather information that will help in the preparation of future
missions to other planets. More details can be found on the High Lakes Project official website:
http://highlakes.seti.org/