TM1 | Local perspectives to global challenges: how empowering Early Careers in South America can advance international collaboration for climate adaptation
Wed, 19:00
Local perspectives to global challenges: how empowering Early Careers in South America can advance international collaboration for climate adaptation
Convener: Dimaghi Schwamback | Co-conveners: Isabela Burattini Freire, Eduardo Muñoz-Castro, Alonso Pizarro
Wed, 30 Apr, 19:00–20:00 (CEST)
 
Room 2.23
Wed, 19:00
South America (SA) holds nearly one-third of the world’s freshwater resources, with the Amazon rainforest acting as one of the planet’s most significant net carbon sinks. Additionally, the region is deeply influenced by the Andes cordillera and the El Niño Southern Oscillation, that modulate the regional climate and weather, and generate far-reaching impacts on global atmospheric circulation. These unique characteristics make SA pivotal for understanding global hydrology and climate processes. However, the continent’s vulnerability to climate extremes, i.e., heatwaves, floods, droughts, and their compounds, that cascade to water management and political conflicts, is exacerbated by socio-economic challenges, including low development rates and reliance on agricultural commodities. Addressing these vulnerabilities requires integrating local knowledge into the global climate debate.
Climate research provides the foundation for international agreements, increasingly shaping global geopolitics. SA’s strategic importance in global climate mitigation elevates its role in these efforts. With the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) set to take place in Belém, Brazil, countries are expected to present ambitious climate action plans. This represents a significant milestone for global climate adaptation, underscoring the need for collaboration between scientists, governments, and institutions to advance climate governance at local and global levels.
On this basis, critical questions are raised about how regional expertise is integrated into broader hydrologic and climate sciences. Specifically, i) what are the collective responsibilities of the international scientific community associated with local civil society, stakeholders, and decision-makers in addressing regional climate challenges in SA?, and ii) how can transboundary research support the development of hydrology- and climate-focused early career researchers and practitioners in the continent, ultimately promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in research?
These questions are designed to spark discussion about the importance of incorporating local knowledge and promoting early career professionals into the global hydrologic and climate debate. Strengthening regional and international cooperation can address SA’s unique challenges while fostering advances in climate science worldwide. Prioritizing these actions paves the way for achieving the shared goal of equitably advancing global climate adaptation.
The oral presentations are given in a hybrid format supported by a Zoom meeting featuring on-site and virtual presentations. The button to access the Zoom meeting appears just before the time block starts.