Trinity College Dublin has launched the Variable Atmospheric and Light (VAL) laboratory, a new facility designed to study climate change impacts under precisely controlled conditions. This advanced lab allows scientists to simulate various atmospheric and light conditions, enabling detailed investigations into the effects of past, present, and future climate scenarios.

VAL will be instrumental for multidisciplinary research. For instance, Professor Jennifer McElwain from Trinity will use VAL to explore how changes in Earth’s day length over geological periods affect plant physiology and greenhouse gas absorption. Dr. John Devany from Maynooth University will study the impact of future climate conditions on Irish woodlands, while David McCloskey’s team will test solar panel efficiency under simulated South African climates.

Funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and Trinity College Dublin, VAL aims to enhance the precision of climate simulations, aiding in accurate predictions and better climate adaptation strategies. The facility, initially successful in 2015 but delayed by manufacturing and pandemic issues, represents a significant step forward in climate research infrastructure.