Physical and social scientists, industry and communities – as well as decision makers in government – must work together if society is to adapt to our changing climate. But climate research can be complex and challenging, and isn’t always well integrated in planning and decision making.
For this reason, Deep South engages closely with central and regional government, whānau, hapū and iwi, business, infrastructure and industry.
In 2023, I worked with Deep South to help create two rolling symposia where a wide variety of people could come together, listen to podcasts and then attend a day-long workshop. My task was then to write reports about the thinking and conclusions emanating from the symposia.
Ko Papa Ko Rangi: Up or Down looked at reciprocity, risk and value. The aim was to bring folk interested in climate change from a multitude of perspectives to talk about economic and cultural paradigms that need to change to successfully adapt to coming climate change. The final report is available here.
Adapting Aotearoa brought together researchers and stakeholders from the primary sector, academia and government to explore innovative solutions for building climate resilience and deeper understanding of the urgency for adaptation in our agricultural practices. The report is now here.
Prior to this, I was under contract to create useful and usable web content and information sheets for the Deep South website. I used my particular expertise in translating scientific and academic writing into words for the general public.