International Research Institute for Climate and Society

IRI Climate Scientist Lisa Goddard Appointed to NAS Advisory Panel

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:29:37 GMT

With her recent appointment to the National Academies of Science's prestigious Climate Research Committee, IRI scientist Lisa Goddard hopes to continue fostering connections between climate science and its use by decision makers.

The potential impacts of the current El Niño

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:30:21 GMT

The IRI has published two documents designed to walk policy makers through the potential impacts of current El Niño conditions. Readers can use the documents to not only assess how vulnerable different areas of the developing world are to climate-related socioeconomic impacts, but also to see how recent rainfall patterns in these areas have compared to typical El Niño conditions.

Living with an Uncertain Monsoon: IRI's work to benefit farmers in India

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:36:31 GMT

In May and June each year, speculation about the coming of the monsoon fills newspapers and conversations across India. Urban dwellers eagerly await respite from overbearing heat. Investors scrutinize forecasts, trying to anticipate possible impacts on food prices. But none have more at stake than India's over 100 million farming households.

Leaders in index insurance expand their commitments in Ethiopia

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:46:24 GMT

Swiss Re, Oxfam America, The Rockefeller Foundation and Columbia University's International Research Institute for Climate and Society announced a joint Commitment to Action at the Clinton Global Initiative 2009 meeting in New York, held from September 22 to 25. The collaboration is aimed at helping communities most vulnerable to climate variability and change. It will expand on previous work by the institutions on using index insurance to improve financial and food security for farmers in the drought-prone village of Adi Ha, Ethiopia.

El Niño Impacts on Health

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:14:34 GMT

A recent update published by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society provides information on the emerging El Niño and its potential health impacts. Responding to growing concerns about El Niño from organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the IRI produced the document in order to give decision makers key recommendations on how to monitor communities at risk and take steps to reduce their vulnerability. It also provides links to valuable resources and IRI maps.