Decision to close climate change research sites is flawed, say experts

Experts in ecology have warned that the decision to close four climate change and wildlife research centers in the U.K. is “scientifically flawed” and will threaten research into the effects of global climate change.

Proponents of the closures argue that a restructuring of the climate change facilities will save costs and allow a more integrated approach to the study of the ecological effects of climate change.

However, without implementing alternative arrangements, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) risks losing 160 personnel, who have been fundamental to international efforts in climate research.

Four leading research centres which focus on wildlife and climate change are to close, despite widespread opposition to the move from Britain’s scientific elite, officials confirmed yesterday.

The centres, which include the world-famous laboratory at Monks Wood in Cambridgeshire, will be shut as part of a restructuring of facilities owned by the Natural Environment Research Council.

Experts in ecology have warned that the decision to close the sites is “scientifically flawed” and will threaten UK efforts to understand the impact of climate change. Staff at the sites have made several discoveries about man’s impact on the natural world: Monks Wood research revealed that spring now arrives in Britain three weeks earlier than 50 years ago.

Sir David Attenborough said yesterday the decision to close the centres was “very sad news”. He said: “That kind of work is going to be needed ever increasingly as the effects of climate change take hold.”

Nerc says the closures, which will cost 160 jobs, are needed to reduce the running costs of its centre for ecology and hydrology, which is scattered over nine sites. A spokeswoman said: “We didn’t have any choice – we had to do something. David Attenborough does not fund science and he clearly doesn’t…

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