Andrew Jones, research scientist, in the Climate and Ecosystem Sciences Division, co-chairs an Urban Systems Working Group for the Multisector Dynamics Community, a group which aims to improve understanding of the co-evolution of human and natural systems over time and foster the interdisciplinary collaborations needed to study complex human-environment interactions.
From July 21 through 23, the working group held a virtual event, “MultiSector Urban Interactions: Fundamental Science Needs to Inform Pathways to More Resilient Communities in a Changing Climate.” The event focused on identifying key challenges and potential solutions for urban systems and people in the context of increased risk from extreme heat, drought, wildfire, flooding and other climate hazards, as well as the fundamental scientific questions, new research, and new collaborations needed to understand these challenges and their solutions. Jones and his Urban Systems Working Group Co-chair Christa Breisford of Oak Ridge National Laboratory coordinated the successful event which included 100 attendees from more than 20 institutions, including representatives from five DOE national laboratories, DOE, and many universities.
“Facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise among urban science experts from diverse disciplinary backgrounds across the country is important to fostering the collaborations necessary to support urban resilience and equitable communities in the face of climate change and related stressors,” said Jones. “The high level of engagement in this event demonstrates a strong interest within the research community to address these critical questions and provide a knowledge base that can support informed planning and investment decisions going forward.”