Walker Update 26th August 2021

Dear Colleagues,
 
Welcome to the Walker Update, bringing you up to speed with the latest developments from the Walker Institute and the wider climate science field. We’ve been busy with projects, developing and rolling out courses, and communicating our research so read on to find out more!

One community:

• We are delighted to announce that Dr Aida Opoku-Mensah is to join the Walker Institute as a new Board member.  Dr Opoku-Mensah was until recently Chief of Staff at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).  She will bring substantial knowledge and a formidable network of contacts to help steer and develop our climate adaptation research work with colleagues in Africa and elsewhere.  Find out more in our blog here. 
• The free FutureLearn course Planet Partners: Tackling the Climate Crisis highlighted in our previous Update is now open for registration here.  Starting on 13 September, it's based on the main themes of the Mock COP26 declaration, and will introduce 16-18 year-olds to the interdisciplinary nature of climate change and how the University of Reading is embracing this. Find out more in our blog here. 

Committed to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives: 

• The HUC (Himalayan University Consortium) - Walker Summer School (running 18-26th Aug) provided participants with an overview of key statistical concepts in environmental science, and hands-on experience in the use of statistical methods for weather and climate data analysis using R focusing on the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH).  It combined online lectures and in-person sessions at the co-hosting institutions. Prof Ted Shepherd from the Meteorology Dept delivered virtual lectures. The programme was also open for students and early-career faculty members and free of charge for selected participants.

By shaping a climate resilient future together:

• Dr Grady Walker will be presenting on climate change adaptation approaches used by the rural pilot within the HyCRISTAL project at the UKRI COP26 Adaptation and Resilience East Africa online event on Friday 27th August 2021. The event is part of the preparatory dialogues to mark the UK’s presidency of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021. The event aims to bring together a range of stakeholders to showcase ongoing adaptation and resilience research based in East Africa, and gain insights on opportunities for upscaling these. Discussions will also inform the development of the new Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA). Register for the event here. 
• This week is World Water Week organised by Stockholm International Water Institute. Together with organisations from all sectors and regions of the world, they find solutions to the world’s greatest water related challenges.  This year, the conference will be held as a digital event with sessions on a range of water-related topics, from food security and health, to agriculture, technology, biodiversity and the climate crisis. Find out more here.

What happened across the world this week?
Please click on this link to access the Global Hazards Weekly Bulletin produced by Prof Virginia Murray and her team at PHE, and archived by Prof Richard Allan. It contains a weekly summary of global hazards, including recent developments of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Last week's bulletin can be found here.

All the best!
 
The Walker Institute Team