To help New Mexicans understand the local impacts of climate change on NM’s most precious resource—water—NMMNHS will collaborate with NM EPSCoR to develop a climate change exhibit at the museum. The 1,000 ft2 exhibit will feature a spherical display system showing global climate change data utilizing NOAA’s Science on a Sphere model.

The exhibit concept and design will be based on initial survey and evaluation research being done by the museum to discern attitudes and perceptions regarding climate change. The results of this inquiry into current public understanding will help develop exhibit materials that are tailored to correct misconceptions and improve the general knowledge base of visitors. In addition, the display will feature panels or videos of EPSCoR scientists discussing their research and explaining the science behind future predictions about water availability and water quality. A guest curator of exhibit development and a guest climate change scientist curator will oversee the production of an effective and scientifically compelling exhibit.