The Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States announced on Friday that they will provide $1 million in funding to enhance the gathering of climate data in the Arctic region.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated that the U.S. Arctic region, encompassing the state of Alaska, is experiencing the fastest rate of warming in the country and requires urgent attention.

According to her, the recent funding, which is a component of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and includes funds for the development of clean energy, will offer “information and resources that can enhance climate resilience and bolster our economy and national security.”

The funding of $1 million will be utilized to request proposals for grants from universities, other non-profit organizations, or businesses in order to enhance climate and data gathering, with a specific emphasis on communities in Alaska.

The NOAA Administrator, Rick Spinrad, stated that the request for grant proposals serves the purpose of collecting data and aiding rural and Indigenous communities in Alaska.

He stated that giving communities access to environmental data enables them to make educated choices in light of a shifting climate, which is essential for building a stronger and more resilient nation.

According to the latest NOAA National Climate Assessment, Alaska is experiencing a warming trend at a rate that is two to three times higher than the lower 48 states. Additionally, the Arctic region as a whole is warming approximately four times faster than the global average.