At the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP16) in Cancun, Mexico, in early December 2010, a new global audience got the chance to learn about ARM and how its data are used to improve climate models. Led by the U.S. Department of State, ARM was part of an interagency multimedia demonstration about U.S. climate research efforts that was presented numerous times throughout the conference. Nations around the world were impressed with the quality of science and collaborations among the U.S. government agencies, with DOE’s involvement in climate change research, and that ARM data are helping to decrease the level of uncertainty in climate modeling.

Along with NASA and NOAA, DOE provided information and data that were integrated into the StormCenter Communications, Inc. (SSC) Envirocast® Vision™ TouchTable system. Consisting of a center console with a plasma screen on each side to display supporting videos and animations, the system allows users to access, visualize and interact with the science data in real-time using touch screen technology and Google Earth™. People strolled into the “living room” of the U.S. Center at the conference to get coffee and relax while SSC presented various U.S. climate research topics on the touchtable to demonstrate real-time collaboration capabilities.

The engaging multimedia experience in the U.S. Center “living room” resulted in very positive feedback from the audience, including members of official delegations and non-governmental organizations. Members of the State Department indicated that the United States was presented exactly how they envisioned: a nation that cares about climate change and that is acting to learn more, while using the best science to adapt to the changes that are occurring, mitigate where possible, and offer assistance to other nations that ask for it. Based on the response to the demonstrations, additional outreach opportunities for using the tool to increase climate literacy are under consideration, such as use in science centers and museums across the nation.