Specialized supports the Sagan Center's efforts to shed light on global warming

Supported by the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NIA), the Sagan Center Launches the High Lakes Project-First-Ever Expedition to Uncover Secrets about the Evolution of Life and its Adaptation to Climate Change


Supported by Specialized and NASA, the Sagan Center's High Lakes Project was launched today to help demystify global warming and gauge the potential for life on other planets, especially Mars. This endeavor by the Carl Sagan Center for the Study of Life in the Universe (recently established at the SETI Institute) emphasizes the importance of demystifying society's greatest environmental challenges- and promises to help scientists develop global sustainability solutions for the future. Located 20,000 feet above sea level, the High Lakes Project will explore the three frosty lakes and unique eco-systems near the summits of the Chilean and Bolivian Andes.

The High Lakes Project is funded by a grant from the NASA Astrobiology Institute, NIA, who's support will cover all the technical development, training and certification and staffing. On October 27th, a team of scientists, engineers, technicians and guides will start the expedition and return home in early December.



"The High Lakes project will enable scientists to see beyond the existing evidence gathered on the degeneration of our climate," Nathalie Cabrol,
Planetary Geologist, and Principal Investigator, "Our goal is to uncover insights that will help us build global sustainability solutions that lead to a healthier environment. In addition, we hope to discover the potential for life on other planets such as Mars."



"For NASA this research represents an opportunity to develop and test new scientific research techniques for extreme environments as an analog for planetary exploration," Randy Berthold, NASA Diving Safety Officer. Dr. Berthold went on to say, " The unique challenges of diving at near 20,000 feet will expose the team to stresses not unlike those which astronauts will be subject to on the Moon and Mars".



As part of its commitment to make the world a greener place, Specialized is supplying the SETI/NASA team with bicycles for the base camp, equipment and high-end clothing for use at critical points during the expedition.



"This is the first high-peak exploration focused on the evolution of life in unique ecosystems and its adaptation to climate change," explained Specialized's Founder and President Mike Sinyard. "Specialized is fortunate
to partner with NASA on a project we're so passionate about-making our world a better place in which to live."



Among other things, their exploration will uncover how organisms respond to radical changes in climate-information that will prove to be priceless during the battle with global climate change. The High Lakes Project will also gather information that will help in the preparation of future missions to other planets. More details can be found on the High Lakes Project official website: highlakes.seti.org/





About Specialized:

Specialized Bicycles, founded in Morgan Hill, CA, in 1974, is a company of devout cyclists obsessed with creating cutting edge, functional and technically advanced products that provide a performance benefit for the cycling enthusiast. Specialized was awarded the first annual Sustainable Quality Award (SQA) from the City of Morgan Hill for demonstrated excellence in the categories of economic development, stewardship of the environment, and social responsibility.



About SETI:

Founded in 1984, the mission of the SETI Institute is to explore, understand and explain the origin, nature and prevalence of life in the universe. The SETI Institute is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific
research, education and public outreach. The Institute today employs over 100 scientists, educators and support staff.