Overpeck, a UA professor of geosciences and of atmospheric sciences; Susan L. Beck, a UA department head and professor of geosciences; and Andrew Comrie, a UA professor of geography and regional development, are non-salaried partners, board members and the science advisors comprising the Scientific Advisory Committee for Climate Appraisal Services, LLC. The scientists have equity interest in the company.
The four see the venture as a way to educate people about climate change and environmental issues, while simultaneously providing them with information they need to assess risks to individual pieces of property.
Sea-level rise and shoreline reduction is only part of the climate change story. New studies also point to the likelihood of more intense hurricanes, a worsening wildfire season in many locations, and greater drought-related climate impacts, Overpeck said. Climate Appraisal Services represents an innovative new way to get important environmental science communicated to the public."
Entrepreneur Purcell got the idea for CASL in the spring of 2006 when he saw post-climate-change sea-level maps that Overpeck and UA geoscientist Jeremy Weiss had created.
Purcell and his wife had been discussing buying the beach-front home his wife had always longed for.
However, contemplating how sea-level rise would affect coastlines made the former banker re-consider such a move. He wanted to learn more about how climate-change-driven changes in shorelines would affect the value of shoreline homes.
His search gave him some new ideas.
"I was looking for the top scientists in climate change," Purcell said. "I had a business model concept, and it required scientists' involvement to bring it to life."
Purcell sought out Overpeck.
Overpeck, on sabbatical in the
'"/>
Contact: Mari N. Jensen
mnjensen@email.arizona.edu
520-626-9635
University of Arizona
8-Mar-2007