Content
- 112 researchers from 13 countries participated in tropical forests scientific initiative
- 3 October 2024 – Join the symposium on hurricane response in the Caribbean
- IAI fosters ocean science collaborations at COLACMAR
- Advances in the integration of climate and health data – AmeriGEO Week in Ecuador
- Participatory science and serious games have impact – Interview with Pedro Laterra
- Chile consolidates its position as a leader in the adoption of renewable energies
IAI Newsletter 3/24
112 researchers from 13 countries participated in tropical forests scientific initiative
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From the management of wetlands by indigenous communities in Darien, to resilient agroforestry in the Brazilian Amazon, to the monitoring of fungal species in the snowy forests of South America, researchers from the region are contributing diverse knowledge related to global change in tropical forests and a number of them are now part of the research initiative sponsored by the IAI and the São Paulo State Research Foundation (FAPESP).
In a first stage, the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) convened together with FAPESP a transdisciplinary science course that brought together participants from Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, the United States and Canada. The course was held in Spanish, Portuguese and English from June 26 to August 28 virtually, with 112 participants from 20 teams selected from 79 applicant groups.
“The best future for our societies lies in integration mechanisms such as the IAI”
The training experience offered by the IAI has been deeply enriching for participants, and several key aspects contributed to its success. Participants valued the opportunity to involve communities in the development of applied research in the real world, highlighting the importance of integrating multi-epistemic knowledge and transdisciplinary approaches. They also highlighted the excellent disposition of the organizing team, and the quality of the materials provided, from presentations to supporting videos. As one of the participants described, “the best future for our societies lies in integration mechanisms such as the IAI”.
Of the 20 teams participating in the course, 14 submitted a research proposal to receive seed funding. In the next stage, a maximum of 10 teams will be selected to receive funding of up to US$50,000 each to carry out a transdisciplinary study in tropical forests.
The IAI and FAPESP are also co-financiers of the FORESTS 2024 (Tropical Forests: Global Implications and Urgent Actions) research call of the Belmont Forum. The funding period is scheduled to begin in June 2025. The IAI will support the participation of five to six global consortia involving research teams from eligible IAI Member States in Latin America and the Caribbean, for a period of up to three years. Each consortium may request a maximum total budget of USD 300,000 from the IAI, including administrative costs.
The FORESTS 2024 call for proposals focuses on the growing threats facing tropical forests and their inhabitants, including climate change, deforestation, unregulated agribusiness, land conversion, illegal activities, pollution, and environmental and climate injustices. Proposals must use a transdisciplinary approach to develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing tropical forest regions, highlighting the importance of the well-being and survival of indigenous peoples and local communities, with special recognition of the Amazon as the largest and most populous region.
Interested consortia must apply by 12 November 2024. For more information, please visit: https://iai.int/en/sesion-informativa-bosques-tropicales-implicaciones-globales-y-acciones-urgentes/.
IAI Newsletter 3/24
3 October 2024 – Join the symposium on hurricane response in the Caribbean
Thursday, 3 October 2024
9:00 – 1:00 EST (UTC-5)
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Yyz-shgHRXS5CyyavgxsmQ#/registration
On 3 October 2024, the University of the West Indies (Mona Campus) will host the symposium “Hurricanes in the Caribbean: Best Practices, Lessons Learned and Resilient Development” The event, which will be held in a hybrid format, is a joint initiative of the University of the West Indies, the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Access to the symposium is open and free; it is an exceptional opportunity for experts and professionals from various disciplines to exchange knowledge, experiences, and strategies aimed at strengthening the resilience of Caribbean nations against hurricanes and other extreme weather events. With a focus on protecting the most vulnerable populations and promoting sustainable development in the region, the event will address key topics such as disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
The Caribbean, a region known for both its natural beauty and its exposure to adverse weather conditions, has faced numerous disasters with severe economic and social consequences. Symposium speakers will analyze the impacts of past events, such as Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria in Dominica, and Hurricane Ivan in Grenada and the Cayman Islands, where economic losses exceeded 200% of the national GDP.
Speakers include David Smith, from the Institute for Sustainable Development (The University of West Indies) and member of the IAI’s Science-Policy Advisory Committee; Evan Thompson, Principal Director Meteorological Service Jamaica and President, WMO RA IV; Gabrielle Gayle (Jamaica Climate Change Youth Council), Jovana Hoschtialek (195in365 Inc, Grenada), Delroy McLean (C&W Business/Flow) and Elizabeth Emanuel (Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, Cayman Islands).
The symposium is expected to create a space for dialogue on critical questions, such as: How have Caribbean countries managed recovery periods after disasters? What have been the best practices in hurricane preparedness and response? What lessons can be applied to improve the resilience of other vulnerable small island states? Additionally, participants will learn about innovations in key sectors such as construction, agriculture, tourism, technology, insurance, and governance that may be used effectively in the efforts to confront climate-related challenges.
This event highlights the importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange as fundamental elements to ensure the safety and well-being of Caribbean communities while promoting sustainable and resilient development in the region.
IAI Newsletter 3/24
IAI fosters ocean science collaborations at COLACMAR
The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) recently participated in a series of scientific meetings and workshops in Itajaí, Santa Catarina, in the context of the Latin American Congress of Marine Sciences (COLACMAR).
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On August 13, the IAI Executive Directorate, together with members of the Foundation for Support to Scientific and Technological Research of the State of Santa Catarina (FAPESC), visited the Blumenau Regional University Foundation (FURB). In a meeting with the rector, Marcia Cristina Sardá Espindola, possible areas of collaboration were discussed. The agenda included a visit to the university herbarium, where Dr. André Luís de Gasper leads key research projects.
On August 14, the IAI organized an exploration of research needs in the region for the upcoming OCEANS II funding call, in collaboration with the Belmont Forum (BF) and the National Alliance for Environmental Research (AllENVI) from France. This exercise focused on identifying scientific gaps and societal needs related to ocean research, involving an in-person and virtual audience that provided valuable feedback for the development of the OCEANS II concept note.
That same day, the IAI participated in the “Blue-One Health” workshop, organized by the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (Fiocruz) and FAPESC. This workshop, focused on ocean health and climate change in the Americas, proposed a roadmap with key actions for the coming years, including international events and recommendations for the G20.
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During the visit to the SAPIENS Technology Park, where entrepreneurship initiatives in bioeconomy and nature-based solutions are being developed, the potential for collaboration between the production-technology sector and scientific research in Latin America was analyzed.
In addition to presenting the work carried out by the IAI in the region, the Executive Directorate provided information on the call for research on tropical forests and on the transdisciplinary approach. The participation of the IAI in regional projects demonstrates the role it plays as a catalyst for transdisciplinary science in the region and its commitment to international collaboration.
IAI Newsletter 3/24
Advances in the integration of climate and health data – AmeriGEO Week in Ecuador
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The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) had a prominent participation in AmeriGEO Week 2024, an inclusive event that seeks to bring together diverse communities to foster collaboration in integrated Earth and social science research. This space facilitates the exchange of information between national, regional and international efforts, using Earth observation data, ancestral knowledge and other sources to guide informed decisions in the face of environmental, social and economic challenges.
In the session “Looking toward COP29: “One Health” Partnerships to Accelerate Climate Action” the IAI, together with Earth Observations for Health and the Ministry of Health of Ecuador, highlighted the valuable One Health collaborations that are driving climate action in the Americas. Speakers presented examples of tools for data integration and early warning systems, such as extreme heat risk mapping and air quality monitoring systems, which help identify inequalities and strengthen decision-making in health and climate.
Among the featured panelists was Irene Torres, Strategic Advisor at IAI, who discussed the use of innovative tools to integrate data in climate change and health. She highlighted IAI’s support for Harmonize, a Wellcome Trust-funded project based at the National Supercomputing Centre in Barcelona, which works on harmonizing multi-level spatiotemporal data relevant to health in critical locations such as small islands, cities, high-altitude sites and tropical forests. Harmonize works across four IAI member countries: Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.
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Also present was Mercy Borbor-Córdova, professor at the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (Ecuador) and member of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the IAI. Her presentation focused on climate and health applications, highlighting the role of science in the response to dengue outbreaks in Ecuador and Uruguay.
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Other speakers presented successful case studies from the region and strategies to mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat in cities across the Americas.
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These types of multisectoral and multidisciplinary collaborations are essential to advance the climate and health objectives established in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as in the framework of the Conference of the Parties (COP28 and COP29). IAI’s participation in these efforts reaffirms its commitment to the creation of cooperation networks that promote resilient and sustainable solutions to face global challenges.
Learn more about the event at https://2024amerigeoweek.amerigeo.org/
IAI Newsletter 3/24
Participatory science and serious games have impact – Interview with Pedro Laterra
Pedro Laterra has been a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) since last year. In an interview for the IAI newsletter, he shares details about his work and the challenges he faces in the Andean Patagonian region of Argentina.
Laterra, who works as a researcher for CONICET and the Bariloche Foundation, has actively participated in IAI projects such as the open science committee and mentoring fellows of the IAI’s STeP program. Through his experience in mapping and assessing ecosystem services, he has corroborated the importance of transdisciplinarity in connecting science with public policy.
“I am learning so much from the IAI STeP fellows and I see great potential in open science to facilitate decision making.”
One of the key projects Laterra is involved in focuses on the study of biological invasions, specifically those of exotic conifers in Patagonia, which are exacerbated by climate change. These invasive species, adapted to dry conditions, are promoting more frequent and intense forest fires, posing a threat to biodiversity and the safety of local communities.
Laterra highlights the importance of citizen participation in the fight against this problem and citizen science as a crucial tool. “Through simple platforms such as WhatsApp, we have been able to get the community to register invasive hotspots. This helps us create collaborative maps and prioritize interventions on the ground,” he explains. In addition, he stresses the value of collaboration between citizens and government institutions, which alone do not have sufficient resources to address the problem.
“The use of serious games helps to bridge the science-decision-making gap, without overlooking the importance of systemic research.”
Laterra also works in Paraguay, through the Spaces consortium, trying to support that country in developing policies aligned with international commitments to reduce emissions. Another innovative line in his work is the use of serious games as tools to bridge the gap between science and decision-making. “We are developing serious games as a way to cross the interface between science and policy, recognizing that many times the lack of contextualization of research makes it difficult for decision makers to adopt it,” he says.
Finally, Laterra stresses the need for science to be aligned with social and political demands to achieve real impact. “The wheel always turns in the same direction: more research, but without a systemic look, those achievements are not used in the problematic context and hence the lack of adoption in public policies,” he concluded. For him, it is essential to combine science, politics, and community, while transforming the connections between society and nature in a way that balances environmental protection with social welfare.
Laterra’s participatory and transdisciplinary approach reflects the IAI’s mission to integrate science and communities, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable populations, to address environmental challenges and move towards a more sustainable world.
Watch the full interview (in Spanish) on our YouTube channel
IAI Newsletter 3/24
Chile consolidates its position as a leader in the adoption of renewable energies
Chile exceeds 38% of electricity generation with renewable energies and projects an even more sustainable future
In the first five months of 2024, Chile reached almost 39% of electricity generation from clean sources. On May 6 at 14h00, a production milestone was reached in which solar energy generated 71.8% while wind energy generated 21.9% of the country’s electricity. In addition, according to the Chilean Association of Renewable Energy and Storage (ACERA), the country has more than 7 GW of storage in testing and in different stages of construction that will be connected to the National Electric System in the coming months.
The increase in production has also created a need to store this energy. In Chile, for half the year, the sun sets at the same time across the thin stretch of land it occupies on the coast of South America, creating an immediate need for energy storage. When energy is stored, it can be decided when to use it, i.e., the moments of supply and demand can be balanced.
Storing energy in batteries is efficient, but only for a very short period of time. But at least it allows energy to be stored during days of high production and released at night. At the moment, this is done in lithium-ion batteries, which are the most efficient on the market, but it is expected that lead or sodium alternatives will soon be available.
Benefits for the population
According to Yale University’s Climate Change Communication program, 91% of Chileans believe that the government should consider climate change as a priority. In addition to focusing efforts on climate change mitigation and sustainability, a major advantage of using renewable energy is the reduction of environmental pollution. Preventing air pollution has a direct impact on health; according to one study, hospital admissions for respiratory diseases have decreased in Chile with the increase in the use of renewable energy.
Additionally, the interest in developing the cleaner energy sector has led to increasing attention to gender disparities. Only 23% of jobs in Chile’s energy sector are held by women. In 2018, the Chilean government launched the Energía+Mujer program to promote equity and improve diversity in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. The initiative offers companies tools to reduce gender gaps in the workplace and provides women with mentoring and networking opportunities. Likewise, with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank, for the development of clean and renewable energy in Chile, the country promotes equal pay and gender parity in the sector.
Although 55% of women in Chile believe that there are differences in job opportunities in the energy sector, around 60% say that there is an inclusive culture that promotes gender equality and mutual respect in their workplaces, women have opportunities to access leadership positions, and their opinions are taken into account equally in decision-making within their organizations.
Future challenges
Chile has become a regional leader in the use of more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy. Despite progress, the sector faces challenges such as the need to improve transmission and storage infrastructure to efficiently manage the growing renewable generation. The country needs policies that encourage investment and facilitate the integration of these energies into the electricity market, from production to storage and transmission.
The transition to renewable energy does not mean that resource extraction is suspended. Lithium production using evaporation ponds uses millions of litres of water a day, but lithium is found in the driest places in Chile. Access to water is essential for local communities and for biological diversity. In the Atacama salt flat in Chile, mining consumes and diverts scarce water resources from local communities. In addition, lithium contaminates the soil and therefore affects flora and fauna. For all these reasons, the government must look for alternatives to exploit this mineral.
