One hundred years ago Scripps Institution of Oceanography
was a small laboratory studying marine biology
and the local ocean.
Life was simpler. The Earth's bounty seemed endless.
Today,
Scripps, as part of the University of California San Diego
is a world scientific leader whose studies spanned the globe.
We now know the Earth's bounty
is limited and we face enormous environmental challenges.
Air pollution,
clean and safe beaches, global warming
drug-resistant diseases, having enough water, earthquakes,
overfishing,
rising sea levels.
Clearly achieving a sustainable balance between human activity and the natural
environment
is one of the key challenges facing society but how do we achieve this
balance as the planet grows more crowded?
Our greatest hope is to connect scientific discovery with decision making.
Policymakers, private industry
and the public need the best science
to make better decisions about our environment.
Scripps scientists through research, education, and outreach
are providing society with a solid scientific understanding
of the air, water, land, and life
of our planet.
For a century, Scripps scientists have been pioneers in the ocean and earth
sciences, exploring the vast oceans, discovering new life forms,
unraveling the mysteries of the deep. Today,
with more than 400 research projects underway in 65 nations,
on every continent, and in every ocean, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
is a world leader in the scientific search for a sustainable environment.
Scripps scientists are monitoring
ocean circulation and it's impact on global and regional climate,
studying coastal circulation to track pollution,
monitor health risks, and observe coastal conditions.
Developing remote sensing networks, technologies, and visualization
techniques
to better understand, monitor, and respond to earthquakes and natural hazards in
Southern California and around the world.
Studying a modeling snowpack and stream flows
to forecast regional water availability. Working with the United Nations
to study massive pollution clouds that are spreading around the world,
affecting agriculture, health and climate.
New centers at Scripps are applying the latest technologies to better understand
the roles of marine microbes and the impact on climate
and using DNA to measure biodiversity and the health of
ecosystems and to answer key questions about the evolution of marine organisms.
Another center is developing new approaches to research and training
to help preserve and restore marine life and ecosystems in the Gulf of California.
In coral reefs, in kelp forests,
and in other critical regions of the world.
A third center is discovering new antibiotic, anti-viral,
and anti-cancer drugs from marine organisms.
With more students attending Scripps than ever before,
the institution continues its long tradition of training new generations of
leaders
who will answer fundamental scientific questions
and help address the environmental challenges facing society.
However, it is no longer enough to conduct
exceptional research and train outstanding scientific leaders.
Scripps scientists are learning to work with other disciplines to develop
practical solutions and to communicate their scientific findings to the public
and to key decision makers in government and industry around the world.
The Birch Aquarium at Scripps communicates Scripps
science to the public through it's exhibits and activities
and is expanding its educational programs at the aquarium,
at local beaches and tide pools, and at schools throughout the community. Scripps
Institution of Oceanography
has made many important contributions to science and society
during its first one hundred years. But with your support,
Scripps greatest accomplishments are still ahead. Join us at Scripps for our
second century of discovery, exploring the natural world,
training future leaders, educating our children, and communicating science
so that generations to come will be able to live in a healthy
and productive environment.