Understanding The Risks of Climate Change with Lelys Bravo
In a world facing the growing threats of climate change, understanding the complexities of risk distribution and fostering community adaptation becomes increasingly vital. We had the privilege of sitting down with Lelys Bravo, an expert statistician and advocate for climate resilience, to explore her thoughts on these pressing issues.
Lelys Bravo is a statistics professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research interests center around understanding the risks of climate change. Dr. Bravo was the lead author of the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment report, which is a major assessment of the human impact on the environment, called for by the United Nations Secretary-General.
Juan David Campolargo: Dr. Bravo, thank you for joining us today. To begin, if you had the opportunity to conduct a survey on any topic, what would pique your curiosity?
Lelys Bravo: One of my latest favorite topics and a particularly challenging one is understanding how risk is distributed across time and space, especially in response to extreme events like tornadoes, winter storms, or floods. I’m fascinated by the complex interplay between hazards, exposure, and outcomes. If given the chance, I’d gather as much data as possible to model this intricate temporal and spatial risk distribution, primarily in the context of hydrometeorological events.
JDC: When it comes to assessing risk, how do you approach addressing situations with fat-tailed risks or non-linear relationships?
LB: The assessment of risk is a multifaceted process. To start, it’s crucial to understand the expected losses, considering factors like population, assets, and infrastructure. Take coastal areas as an example; they are particularly complex because of their attractiveness for habitation. However, they are also susceptible to storms and sea-level rise due to climate change. To measure these expected losses, we need a combination of physical modeling and a consideration of human behavior. We’re exploring hybrid modeling methods that blend machine learning with statistical approaches to account for these non-linear relationships and complexities.
JDC: One of the challenges we face in addressing climate change is convincing communities to take action, especially when they perceive risks as distant or uncertain. Have you encountered such challenges in your work, and how did you approach them?
LB: Indeed, I’ve faced such challenges firsthand. In Venezuela, we had a tragic flood in 1999, and later we worked with the affected communities. Convincing people that similar events could occur again was difficult. Some thought these events were exceedingly rare, but historical records revealed otherwise. The key is education and building awareness within communities. Early warning systems and community-based initiatives help people understand their vulnerability and preparedness. It’s about making people realize that these events are not rare and that they can adapt.
JDC: Climate change is a global issue, but solutions often require local action. How can we effectively communicate the message of climate change and adaptation to communities?
LB: Local engagement is essential. Start with local governments and organizations that can establish direct connections with communities. Utilize various communication channels, including social media and community-based applications, like Nextdoor. Consistency is crucial; these messages should be repeated and reinforced. Climate adaptation isn’t a one-time effort but an ongoing process that requires patience and persistence.
JDC: Finally, as someone who has been deeply involved in advocating for climate resilience and adaptation, what’s your vision for the future of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts?
LB: The future lies in adaptation. We cannot prevent climate-related hazards, but we can adapt to them. This involves a combination of physical infrastructure improvements and community education. My vision is one where every community, no matter how vulnerable, is aware of its risks and is equipped with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively. Climate change is a challenge we all face, but it’s at the local level where we can truly make a difference and build resilience.
As we conclude our conversation with Lelys Bravo, her insights underscore the importance of local action and community engagement in the face of climate change. Adaptation and awareness-building are essential components of a sustainable future, reminding us that we all play a role in addressing this global challenge.
In this illuminating conversation with Lelys Bravo, we’ve explored the intricacies of climate change adaptation, the challenges of risk assessment, and the power of local communities in shaping a resilient future. As we navigate the complexities of our changing world, Dr. Bravo’s insights serve as a beacon of hope and guidance.
This interview was part of a UIUC Talkshow conversation with Lelys Bravo, a testament to the importance of fostering dialogue and knowledge-sharing to tackle global issues like climate change. For more enlightening discussions, be sure to check out the full talkshow video here.
Let’s all remember that addressing climate change requires collective action, from individuals to communities, and beyond. Together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient world.