“I study how societies adapt to climate change:” Meet climate scientist Lisa Dale
this story is Originally Posted by Columbia News.
Lisa Dell.Photo by Erin Barroso
Lisa Dell is a lecturer at the Columbia Climate Institute and co-director of the undergraduate sustainability program.
Where is your hometown?
Born in New York City, raised in Westchester County, moved to Colorado after college and stayed there for 25 years. Now I’m back.
What is your favorite place on campus?
Can I vote twice? I love hosting events at Buell Hall on the Morningside campus. I love Joe’s Coffee – all of them! – Well, coffee.
What’s your favorite part of New York City?
Impossible question! The North Woods of Central Park always give me the shock of nature when I need it.
What kind of research do you do?
As a political scientist, I study How societies adapt to climate change, and ask how policies can help smooth the transition. Right now I have two different projects that approach this from very different places. Domestically, I research wildfire policies in the western United States, trying to understand which policies are most effective in reducing wildfire risk in communities. Internationally, I research rural communities in Rwanda, exploring how national resettlement policies can contribute to better climate adaptation. Both projects have given me the opportunity to travel!
What do you hope others learn from your research?
Perhaps we can effectively translate concerns about climate change into practical adaptation strategies. We need to identify the current and projected impacts of climate change and focus on solutions, keeping in mind the vastly different circumstances facing communities around the world. The next generation will lead the way!
What is your passion?
Swimming is one of my greatest hobbies! I swim year-round in pools around NYC and open water in the summer whenever possible.
