Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

CIA Teams Up With Scientists To Monitor Climate

Posted by kdawson on from the with-my-little-eye dept.

MikeChino writes "The CIA has just joined up with climate researchers to re-launch a data-sharing initiative that will use spy satellites and other CIA asets to help scientists figure out what climate change is doing to cloud cover, forests, deserts, and more. The collaboration is an extension of the Measurements of Earth Data for Environmental Analysis program, which President Bush canceled in 2001, and it will use reconnaissance satellites to track ice floes moving through the Arctic basin, creating data that could be used for ice forecasts." Even though the program is "basically free" in terms of CIA involvement, the Times notes: "Controversy has often dogged the use of federal intelligence gear for environmental monitoring. In October, days after the CIA opened a small unit to assess the security implications of climate change, Senator John Barrasso, Republican of Wyoming, said the agency should be fighting terrorists, 'not spying on sea lions.'"

6 of 417 comments (clear)

  1. "Shouldn't be spying on sea lions" by Arancaytar · · Score: 4, Funny

    What, so now freaking sea lions have more privacy rights than we do?

  2. Classic Misdirection by Monkeedude1212 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Of course they would admit they aren't spying on sea lions. They are in fact spying on Penguins! I saw the Documentaries titled "Madagascar" and I know for a fact that Penguins are very elusive and deceptive creatures. We need to keep an eye on them at all costs, lest we fall into their trap for world domination.

    I'm glad they are keeping it undercover as a climate operation. The less we really know, the less the penguins know.

  3. Re:Climate change is a security threat by Chris+Burke · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yeah, I have to say I'm surprised anyone would object to CIA involvement. I think it's very important we keep a watch on the climate. After all, the climate has been acting pretty suspicious lately, and has been looking, dare I say it, more swarthy. Plus, I heard that the climate was recently spotted in Yemen.

    --

    The enemies of Democracy are
  4. Re:I don't know, sea lions can be trouble by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Maybe he's just scared that the CIA will get indisputable photographic and video evidence of Republicans molesting and outright raping those poor sea lions.

  5. Cue the conspiracy theory nut-jobs... by Jawn98685 · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...in three, two, one..
    "Oh my god! The CIA is in cahoots with Al Gore to advance their socialist, commie, enviro-facist agenda!"

  6. Re:Climate change is a security threat by Rei · · Score: 5, Funny

    Perhaps the CIA is just trying to infiltrate the climate to overthrow it and replace it with a more US-friendly climate.

    --
    Present day. Present time.