Social Science for Climate Change
The central theme of my work is change. Particularly climate change and social change.
How does it happen? What are its effects? How do we deal with it? And how do we change ourselves, our practices and institutions, to adapt to change, live rich and meaningful lives, and create a fair, sustainable, humane, and beautiful world?
I conduct research and provide consulting services addressing these questions.
Interdisciplinary Research, Productive Science-Policy Interaction and Effective Communication for Social Change
As a leading US expert on adaptation, science-policy interactions, decision support, and climate change communication, I emphasize practical, collaborative, solutions-oriented work.
I have extensive experience working in the US, Australia and Europe, in coastal, forest, and conservation sectors, and in urban and rural communities. I have led and participated in projects which assess the impacts of climate change; examine the vulnerabilities and preparedness of communities and ecosystems; identify barriers to adaptation and strategies to overcome them; explore what adaptation "success" might mean, and help communities move toward it.
My focus on policy analysis, governance, communication, and human behavior stems from my commitment to putting the best available science to work in policy and management arenas. I can help find the most effective ways to constructively engage the public in decisions about their future.
The goal of my work is to help increase resilience, reduce vulnerability, and transform the ways we interact with our environment and each other to sustain a livable planet and live peaceful, satisfying lives.