Even Antarctica Feels Effects Of The Government Shutdown

[steve2470]

http://www.npr.org/2013/10/07/230170093/even-antarctica-feels-the-effects-of-the-government-shutdown



It looks like even Antarctica isn't far away enough to avoid getting caught up in the government shutdown.

That's because it's currently springtime there, and scientists who study this remote, rugged continent are poised to take advantage of the few months when there's enough daylight and it's warm enough to work. Advance teams have already started working to get things set up and ready for the researchers, who usually begin heading south right about now.

But they're hearing that the government's contractor for logistics in Antarctica, Lockheed Martin, will run out of funding for its Antarctic support program in about a week. A decision about whether they will need to start pulling back personnel is expected very soon.

The fear is that this year's entire research season will effectively be cancelled — that scientists and logistical support workers will be called back home, and only skeleton crews will be left to keep the three U.S. research stations going.

[Rhiannon12866]

1. K&R. This is just sad...

Time is of the essence for these folks since they have such a narrow weather window.

[steve2470]

2. yea it is sad

Their research has direct relevance for the entire climate change discussion. It's a real shame it may be compromised.

[Rhiannon12866]

3. Yet another group of hardworking and deserving Americans negatively affected

By these idiots inexplicably dragging their feet to no purpose at all. Unforgivable.

[steve2470]

4. yes I completely agree nt

[Rhiannon12866]

6. Dealing with climate change needs to be on the front burner right now

Another way that this pointless shutdown is hurting pretty much everyone.

[Uncle Joe]

5. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, steve.