Nov. 10, 2022
MSU experts on COP27 climate change conference
The United Nations’ annual climate summit, the 27th Conference of the Parties, or COP27, has convened in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, through Nov. 18 to discuss the global response to climate change. Michigan State University experts are available to discuss the conference and climate change topics.
Environment and Engineering
Among them is Yadu Pokhrel, an associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering. Pokhrel is an expert on climate and human-induced changes in the water cycle and their impacts on social and environmental systems. Contact: ypokhrel@egr.msu.edu
“It is undeniable that climate change is intensifying the water cycle, leading to increased frequency and intensity of weather extremes. On one hand, we are facing unprecedented droughts in many global regions and, on the other hand, unprecedented storms like the recent Hurricane Ian are becoming increasingly common. We will likely face stronger extremes even if we implement stricter measures to reduce future emissions. Therefore, it is imperative that we develop a better understanding of the consequences of such extremes on various societal sectors and critical transportation and energy infrastructures. It is equally important that we better prepare our societies to adapt to the impacts of such extremes. A transdisciplinary integration of climate, hydrologic and social sciences is essential to address these growing challenges and safeguard our societies and infrastructure systems. Use of computer models to simulate the scope and extent of the impacts under such growing extremes is a starting point to understand and assess the impacts and develop adaptation strategies.”
For more on Pokhrel’s research, visit:
• Pokhrel named Fulbright Scholar to study water security in Taiwan
• Research addresses climate change questions
Explore comments by other MSU climate change experts at: MSUToday.
