Apr 1 2008
Maria Blair, associate vice president and managing director of the Rockefeller Foundation, says there is an immediate need for the practical use of already available scientific data regarding global climate change. Blair's comments appear in the latest edition of Conversations - an online discussion focused on the transforming impact of science. Conversations is a project of the U.S. Civilian Research + Development Foundation (CRDF). (http://www.crdf.org/conversations)
Maria Blair, Associate Vice President and Managing Director, Rockefeller Foundation
In her remarks, Blair – who provides leadership and strategic direction for select Rockefeller Foundation initiatives – discusses the implications of climate change on poor and vulnerable people. She also highlights the role of science in defining and addressing key issues in the future and in building resilience to effects of climate change which are already occurring.
“Floods occurred in Mumbai that were uncharacteristic, that particularly impacted the slum dwellers in that city, and led to death,” says Blair. “In sub-Saharan Africa, we’re seeing a drop in agricultural yields due to increasing drought. And again that is a life and death situation for people in those geographies. So this has a high level of urgency.”
Blair also recognizes the concern that reducing emissions to combat climate change may have a negative impact on poor populations.
However, Blair says, “more importantly – and of greater impact – is the effect of the changes in climate on poor and vulnerable people.”
Conversations is an online exploration of the top issues of our time through the lens of science. Conversations features diverse, interdisciplinary panels including authors, policymakers, experts, journalists and those who work on the front lines of major challenges. The latest edition focuses on global warming and features, along with Blair, Dr. Alan Hamlet of the University of Washington and Kevin Knobloch of the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Blair’s commentary can be read or downloaded as a podcast at http://www.crdf.org/conversations.