Climate change is already impacting locations around the world and while rapid mitigation of climate change remains urgent, efforts to adapt to climate change impacts have already begun. Climate change intersects with other anthropogenic forcing that is pushing beyond planetary boundaries not only due to carbon emissions but also accelerating biogeochemical cycles. Models are essential for understanding what the climate and environment may be for the next decades, the timescales over which policies are implemented and infrastructure is built. How can we generate and share climate information in ways that promote democracy and inclusion of marginalized communities in decision making?

Mara Freilich is an assistant professor in the Division of Applied Mathematics and the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Brown University, studying the ways that physical oceanographic processes affect ocean microbial ecology, carbon cycling, and nutrient distributions. Using a range of methods, her work on understanding the link between biological and physical processes involves advancing knowledge of ocean physical dynamics and developing methodologies for modeling ecological processes in the context of environmental variability. In addition, she is interested in engaging with community groups to mobilize climate science for environmental justice.

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This seminar is part of the Science Against Capitalism Seminar Series, which aims to connect science education with people and movements rejecting capitalism’s destructive path. Throughout the series, we will discuss with scientists who have developed deep scientific expertise across different fields in the dynamics of our planet and our ecological systems, uplifting proposals of viable solutions to help build a path toward a socialist and scientific future.  Those interested in deeper study can sign up to join the study cohort by October 31 here.