Team members:Rachita J. (India) (Team Lead), Mariia H. (Ukraine), Sofía R. (Colombia), Alex B. (United States), Sylvia X. (United States), Altynay N. (Kazakhstan)
Textiles and fashion are important sectors for the world economy but as demand increases, so do the environmental and human costs – due to harmful production processes that degrade natural resources and the mountains of textile items that are discarded every year.
Estimates suggest that 87% of global textile waste ends up in landfills or incinerators. These environmental impacts apply not only to the clothes we wear in our daily life, but also to the textiles used in the medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors.
For the Junior Academy Innovation Challenge “Circular Textiles”, this international team of students came up with new suggestions to improve environmental standards in textiles, each member sharing their own insights to the design of their solution. “Throughout the project, everyone contributed their unique ideas and leveraged their specialized skills to advance our goals,” explains Sylvia. “The synergy within the team was palpable, fostering an environment of creativity and productivity.”
Collaborating online through the Academy’s Launchpad platform, the students divided the tasks across the group to develop their comprehensive plan. “I did some research and produced tables that consisted of the information about the project,” says Mariia. “I also contacted some experts and I was working on Lean Canvas.” The team found that technical textiles – engineered and manufactured with specific functions in mind – was a rapidly growing sector that reached US$213 billion in 2023, a 5.6% increase in the previous year.
Replacing Non-Sustainable Synthetics
The group focused on finding a sustainable replacement for fossil fuel-based synthetic yarns, nature-based materials like Rayon (viscose) that are linked to deforestation, as well as fibers like cotton that require water-intensive cultivation. They landed on Biofabrics as a potential solution. The students proposed addressing the three main drawbacks of Biofabric clothing – the expensive cost, the susceptibility to microbes, and the poor resistance to repeated washing – to create a more affordable, longer lasting product.
Their solution was using agricultural waste to optimize the production of a synthetic cellulose fiber called Lyocell and relying on deep eutectic solvents (DES) as an alternative to the more expensive chemicals traditionally used in cellulose extraction to reduce the cost. Another ground-breaking innovation involves the application of silver nanostructures to the Lyocell fibers, which would confer both greater durability and antibacterial properties to the fabric, and last more than 20 washes.
To tackle the pollution caused by fabric coloration, the team members suggested employing Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP), a cutting-edge technique that uses laser beams to create nano-texture surfaces with precise interference patterns to impart vibrant colors without the need of toxic dyes.
Throughout the competition, the team’s schedule was intense. Finding time to meet across time zones was not always easy. “There were some challenges during the entire duration of the project, the biggest being the time difference,” says Team Lead Rachita. “I however tried to manage this by dividing the team further into teams and distributing tasks after getting approved by the entire team.” Team member Alex, for his part, created a spreadsheet to keep track of availability. “This helped us schedule meetings with as many people able to attend as possible,” he says.
Striving for Sustainable Textile Production
The students realized that, in addition to using technology to make textile production less damaging to the ecosystem, promoting circularity and sustainability in the sector also required raising awareness of environmental impacts among consumers, particularly in low and middle-income groups, which account for an estimated 90 percent of the global population.
They developed “EcoFashion,” an app designed to educate users of all ages and engage with them, which includes age-specific games aimed at toddlers and teenagers, challenges to motivate adults, as well as mini courses and interactive modules that deliver a wealth of information and leverage psychology to change consumer behavior.
For nine weeks, the team members worked long hours to develop their innovative approach and outline their findings in a polished presentation. “With the abundance of information and the high quality of research done by each team member, condensing it into a concise presentation was daunting,” says Sofia. “To overcome this hurdle, we collectively decided to put in extra hours, working diligently to summarize our findings effectively while ensuring the essence of our work remained intact.”
Their success, and the skills they acquired along the way while developing friendships across borders, made it all worth it. “The experience was great as it was the first time I did such a thing,” says Altynay. “I think such experience will help me in the future in researching other things, and in communicating with different people.”
Team members:Sriyash T. (Team Lead) (India), Radoslav K. (United States), Aarish K. (United States), Rehan S. (India), Aashritha T. (United States), Farhan M. (United States)
For the “Minerals of Technology” Junior Academy Innovation Challenge, high school students were asked to come up with an innovative approach to secure the supply of the critical minerals needed to support the transition to a fossil fuel-free society.
Critical minerals are used in the manufacture of cell phones, photovoltaic solar plants, electric vehicles and numerous other modern appliances. As a growing number of countries move away from fossil fuels to combat climate change and limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°, ensuring a sufficient supply of these critical minerals has become a global concern. The supply will need to increase six-fold by 2040 to support the shift to a more climate-friendly, fossil fuel-free world. Crucially, these rare minerals are not renewable, and must therefore be used efficiently and sustainably.
For their winning project, the MINnovator’s team members from the United States and India sought a solution to this issue in space. They proposed developing a fleet of autonomous asteroid mining drones, powered by hydrogen and solar energy. The drones would extract and process the resources they collected in space. The students’ plan would reduce the carbon emissions associated with conventional mining methods and mitigate the risk of mineral shortages on Earth.
Intrigued, Yet Skeptical
“Initially intrigued, yet skeptical about the idea of harvesting resources from asteroids for a cleaner alternative, I’ve witnessed the evolution of this concept into a tangible project,” says Aarish. “Our space droid, fueled by solar and hydrogen energy and employing 3D printing technology, promises to revolutionize resource acquisition. The droid’s ability to gather rare metals, silicon, oxygen, and water presents a promising solution to the scarcity of these vital resources on Earth.”
According to their ambitious solution, the drones would include a retractable drill to harvest materials through precision scraping or strip mining of resource-dense veins, as well as 3D printers and robotic assemblers to process them in situ. Only finished products would need to be transported back to Earth, in bulk shipments, to maximize cost efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Thanks to a modular design, the drones could be adapted and configured for optimal use during specific aspects of the mining cycle.
“One of my primary roles within the group was the creation of 3D models that visualized the intricate details of our proposed asteroid mining operations,” explains Farhan. “This involved a steep learning curve, but the opportunity to immerse myself in the technical aspects of space mining was both exciting and rewarding. The models not only enhanced our presentations but also provided a tangible visual aid that helped the team grasp the complexity of the project.”
Opening New Horizons
The topic of this Junior Academy challenge opened up new horizons for the team members. “Working with this team on the mineral conservation project through asteroid mining was an illuminating journey,” explains Aasritha. “Working with a diverse team has been a profound and enriching experience, one that has stretched my perspectives and broadened my understanding of collaboration in many ways I never anticipated.”
“It was both inspiring and incredibly satisfying to think that our study would open the door for asteroid mining to provide sustainable mineral conservation,” says Rehan. “The problem we faced was extremely complex and offered many difficulties, one of which was coordinating communication across time zones.”
Tackling a global issue that could shape the future of their generation, gave the participants a great sense of achievement. “This initiative underscores the potential of youth to wield significant influence, irrespective of age or background,” says Team Lead Sriyash. “I want to express profound gratitude to my exceptional teammates. The formation of MINnovators was driven by the intent to unite diverse individuals who share a common fervor for leveraging science to transform the world.”
His teammate Radoslav, echoes Sriyash’s sentiment: “Even when this challenge is over, I trust every one of us to go out into the world and continue to make the world a better place, one project at a time.”
Team members:Iga P. (Team Lead) (Poland), Eliska B. (Slovakia), Alfiya K. (Kazakhstan), Ivanna V. (Ukraine), Linda M. (Slovakia), Nouha O. (Tunisia)
Mentor:Adeola Akinsulure (Nigeria)
In Fall 2023, The New York Academy of Sciences invited high school students from around the world to select an environmental issue they encounter at school, at home, or within their community, and devise a creative solution to address it, as part of a Junior Academy Innovation Challenge.
Working in virtual teams through the platform Launchpad, over 800 students responded to the invitation and offered novel approaches to specific environmental issues they had identified.
The six members of the winning team, Destination: Green, honed their focus on urban farming, which can increase the resilience of city dwelling communities to the impacts of climate change and reduce excessive pressure on fragile land resources.
“The existing food system faces vulnerabilities,” says Nouha. “It is susceptible to weather and economic changes, leading to a rise in the number of people experiencing food shortages. Conventional farming practices cause environmental harm, polluting the natural resources and damaging ecosystems.”
Increasing Resilience Through Vertical Farming
Vertical farming enables individuals living in urban environments to cultivate nutritious fresh food, in spite of limited access to land. Having decided to focus on this practice as a way to improve the sustainability of food supplies, the team first conducted a survey to assess overall knowledge of this cultivation method and identify the obstacles that currently limit the growth of urban food production.
The results revealed poor awareness of farming opportunities in urban settings and highlighted the need for educational efforts: while 64% of respondents weren’t familiar with the concept of vertical farming, 95% of people surveyed expressed an interest and 92% said they would start a farm if they had the necessary information.
The team members used these results to craft their solution. To address the knowledge gap, the team designed an app that guides users through the launch and development of a vertical farm, providing educational resources to make urban farming more accessible.
“Each of us had different strengths; some of us were better with finding ideas for [our] project, some with completing specific tasks,” explains Linda. “My main contribution to the project was probably [the] creation of all the designs of an app in Canva. Apart from that, I wrote some of the milestone texts, participated in meetings, discussed what the app should look like, and found information about some specific topics.”
The app will feature easy-to-follow vertical farming techniques, with tutorials and tips to support aspiring urban farmers. Other features include an AI chatbot that provides assistance and recommendations, a progress tracker, a shopping page for supplies, and a discussion forum to promote community engagement.
Overcoming Unique Challenges
Eliška admits she initially had doubts about working as part of a team. But her misgivings evaporated rapidly when she started collaborating virtually with her fellow team members.
“Right after the first online meeting, we immediately decided when we would meet and planned our work,” she says. “Overall, I liked working with my team. We organized it very well and I never felt like I had to do everything by myself.”
To devise a comprehensive solution and complete their project on time, the team participants had to overcome some unique challenges. Alfiya joined her teammates online from Kazakhstan, across multiple time zones.
“Usually when we met, it was pretty late for me, around 10 or 11 pm, but I wanted to put my efforts into this project,” she says, expressing her pride at having contributed to the solution. “During this challenge, I took different tasks like creating a Google form to ask people about vertical farming, gathering information about microgreens, and much more.”
Destination: Green team members are delighted that their collective efforts have been recognized. The challenge provided an enriching learning experience for the participants, who developed new skills in the course of the project. As Team Lead, Iga guided discussions and shared relevant research, as well as contributing botanical expertise.
“Learning to lead and efficiently delegate tasks were pivotal skills I acquired, enhancing my ability to communicate and motivate the team effectively,” she says. “I realized that collective success is built on trust and collaboration.”
Last year, the world shattered a record we never should have hit: our warmest year ever. In response, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres remarked that we are in an “era of global boiling,” as he called for swift action on human-induced climate change. So far in 2024, global temperatures have continued to break monthly records as prolonged heatwaves are impacting millions of people worldwide, from India to Mexico.
Researchers from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also found that for the average person on Earth, there would be 26 additional days of extreme heat this year, compared to if climate change was not happening. In certain regions of the world, that number reaches as high as an extra 120 days.
Urban residents, who represent more than 55% of the world’s population, are particularly at risk from these warmer temperatures due to urban heat islands (UHIs), which occur when a city’s infrastructure, like roads, parking lots, and rooftops, absorb and remit heat more than natural landscapes like forests. In effect, UHI makes urban environments hotter than rural locations.
The greenhouse gas emissions that humans have already emitted into the atmosphere means that extreme heat is not going away anytime soon, even if we rapidly reach climate targets and zero emissions. That’s why, as a network of scientists and experts concerned about crisis, we can be thinking of new ways to collaborate to inform, prepare, and reduce harm to humans and ecological systems during extreme heat waves.
The Limits of Heat on the Human Body
Climate change is already affecting human health. There are risks to human bodies from extreme heat, particularly for residents in cities, and within communities that are more vulnerable to its adverse impacts. Extreme heat is more dangerous for children, older adults, and outdoor workers – particularly those who do not have labor protections to keep them safe.
Of particular concern to human health is when heat and humidity remain high in combination, especially at night. It becomes difficult for the body to rest, relax, and stabilize – and that can put the body under significant stress.
More and more experts are calling for decisionmakers to gauge upcoming risks to the public by using a wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) reading versus temperature alone. WBGT is measured through temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle, and cloud cover. Tropical and coastline cities, for example, are already reaching critical “wet bulb” temperatures, where the human body cannot cool down through its normal sweating process because sweat is not able to evaporate in high humidity. Dry heat is cooler for the body, for this reason.
Experts define 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) as the upper limit of WGBT for young and healthy people. During India’s recent heatwave, the WGBT reached at least 100 degrees (37.8 degrees Celsius), making the chances of heat exhaustion, stroke, and even death much higher for vulnerable populations.
Cities in China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, the Arabian Peninsula, and the African Sahel are among the highest risk zones for dangerous levels of WGBT. Jacobabad, Pakistan is often called one of the hottest cities on earth and has experienced at least four extreme wet bulb events in recent years. Many cities lack the infrastructure or resources to deal with extreme heat, in some cases because in the past they did not need it.
Understanding the Toll of Extreme Heat
Unlike hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes, heat disasters often go unseen by decisionmakers because the public health impacts often happen inside homes or go undiagnosed by health professionals as heat related.
In the US, the National Weather Service (NWS) cites that heat has been the deadliest form of extreme weather over the last decade. But many researchers believe current counts of heat illnesses death are vastly underestimated. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, there is little to no accurate tracking of heat deaths. In 2022, a groundbreaking study found that approximately 70,000 people died in Europe due to the summer’s extreme heat. Europe is considered the fastest warming inhabited continent, and many countries lack common cooling mechanisms, such as air conditioning, in older buildings.
Additionally, the burden of heat is not often shared equally. In India after recent heatwaves, schools closed, agricultural supply chains were disrupted, and workers lost significant income. According to a recent report by the UN, the rising temperatures in India will reduce daily working hours by at least 5.8 percent by 2030. Loss of economic opportunity also acutely impacts women and girls.
What Experts Can Do to Respond and Save Lives
Just like with a hurricane or earthquake, the world’s most vulnerable cities need stronger preparation and mitigation measures to prevent and reduce severe health impacts. First and foremost, the rapid phaseout of fossil fuels is the most critical step to take to reduce harm.
Second, if scientists and health experts begin to treat extreme heat like other disasters, the public will be equipped with more tools to take the proper steps to help prepare for it. Early warning systems remain as one of the most effective ways to keep people safe, and countries with “limited early warning systems” are experiencing heat-related deaths at a rate eight times higher than countries that have comprehensive warning services.
In the US, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and NWS recently created a new scale that helps the public gauge health risks associated with extreme heat. HeatRisk considers several factors, such as time of year and length of heatwave, and models where elevated risks exist to help leaders better communicate on a clear scale of 1-4.
Scientists and health experts can also help the public better understand what to do once a warning about elevated risk occurs, including educating them on action steps like:
Having a plan to acclimatize your body safely over time by gradually increasing activity outdoors,
Staying in cool environments,
Hydrating quickly and drinking electrolytes, when possible,
Removing restrictive layers and wearing light layers,
Taking a cold shower or bath when overheated,
Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and
Reducing work in the sun.
Several major cities have also taken to hiring Chief Heat Officers who create Heat Action Plans, or roadmaps to help urban dwellers deal with heat. The World Economic Forum and Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center (Arsht-Rock) also created the Heat Action Platform, a free online resource that provides cities with tools to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate their heat plans.
Energy supply is also critical to preparations. Given the pressure on the energy grid in many countries, there has been an increase in rolling or prolonged blackouts due to high demand during heatwaves. Air conditioning therefore cannot be seen as the only stable solution to cool down. In just one month in Mexico, for example, over 32 states including Mexico City experienced blackouts. The loss of power can lead to life-threatening situations for people with disabilities, health conditions, and older adults. In the mid- to long-term, in order to reduce harm in many countries, there needs to be major updates to the power grid that are powered by renewable energy and stabilized through weatherizing of buildings for energy efficiency and planting more trees for shade and cool roofs.
Abiola I. Agnontcheme wants to make scientific information more accessible in different languages to help mitigate the most impactful effects of climate change.
Abiola I. Agnontcheme is an environmental sustainability expert from Republic of Benin. He currently leads as the Country Director for Ecoclimate Vision Benin, which is a team of 40 national representatives with different backgrounds. Ecoclimate Benin partners with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to collectively address the challenges of climate change worldwide.
He also works to translate climate change information from reputable sources into various languages spoken across the Global South. By providing localized content, Abiola can ensure that more people can access climate information in a language they understand, fostering greater awareness, engagement and contributing to community resilience.
Abiola recently spoke to the International Science Reserve about environmental risk management in the Global South, and how the ISR can be useful for increased cross-border collaboration on crisis.
You take climate data and information and translate it to Global South audiences. Can you tell us more about that process?
The information we share is sourced from reputable organizations, such as the UN Environmental Program (UNEP), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCC). The information in English is shared via a Country WhatsApp Group which is translated in respective local languages. We shared quantitative and qualitative scientific data via community platforms and media to make it accessible to farmers, producers, and particularly vulnerable communities on the frontline of climate change impacts. We have also reached out online to our audience through social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and WhatsApp Group.
What are some of the challenges of not having localized and translated scientific data and information on climate change?
Ecoclimate Vision Benin works with more than 30 communities and partners in Benin. We do not always have the adequate vocabulary or specific words in local languages to make concepts clear for vulnerable communities within Ecoclimate Vision’s network. “Climate change,” for example, does not have an equivalent phrase when we are translating into a local language called Fongbe. The community who speaks Fongbe lives in southern Benin near River Oueme and many work in agriculture and fishing. Both industries are affected by the climate crisis.
Can you share more about your plans for community-based disaster risk reduction with governments, businesses and civil society?
We intend to collaborate with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to design and implement climate change mitigation and adaptation projects. We are interested in flood resilience building and preparedness for our community which is the most frequently impacted by disasters in Benin; causing disruption within the community social system and disturbing livelihoods.
Why is it important to you do work with others outside your own discipline, country or region when it comes to disaster risk reduction?
Life is a learning process. I need to be open minded in learning new approaches that could be helpful for our vulnerable communities to sustain their livelihoods and continue supplying food and natural resources to our cities and markets. It’s beneficial to work with others to learn and gain expertise to use when disaster strikes in the world. Seasoned and well-prepared scientists can provide the meaningful expertise needed before and during a time of disaster.
Why did you join the International Science Reserve, and why would you encourage others to join?
I joined the ISR for the benefit of my country and community. We are one of the countries that is most exposed geographically to adverse climatic events, like flooding. which has caused long-term trauma; and disrupted food supply chains and environmental services. I also wanted to build my knowledge and expand my network on disasters to be prepared in advance. I would like to encourage others from any scientific sector in my region to join to learn and be useful for our community. The more people are prepared, the less harmful impacts there will be.
Want to be part of this impactful network? Learn more about the ISR and the Academy.
To Attend Live: After your registration is approved, you must add the session to your Science Summit schedule. In the Summit system, click on “27th Sept” and add the session.
Today, around 55% of the world’s population lives in an urban environment. Urban heat islands (UHIs) have been well documented for decades. They occur when a city’s infrastructure, like roads and buildings, absorb and remit heat more than natural landscapes like forests. This causes increased heat stress, since temperatures of cities tend to be hotter than their rural counterparts, and this is increasing quickly as climate change is leading to longer, more severe, and more frequent heat waves.
Co-convened by the International Science Reserve (ISR) and the University of California Disaster Resilience Network (UC DRN) during the Science Summit at the 79 UN General Assembly, this panel will bring together expertise ranging from engineering and urban development to equity and public policy. Panelists will discuss inequities and other issues surrounding the worsening of urban heat and resulting crises.
These require cities around the globe to respond to and better prepare for the effects of increasingly extreme and frequent heat emergencies, and their related impacts. For example, tropical and coastline geographies are reaching critical “wet bulb” temperatures, at which the human body can no longer cool down through its natural sweating process. China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, the Arabian Peninsula, and the African Sahel are among the risk zones. Jacobabad, Pakistan, often called one of the hottest cities on earth, has experienced at least four extreme wet bulb events in recent years.
Similarly, in some geographies, humidity is rising in ways that make it difficult for people’s bodies to cool down at night, with adverse effects on human health. And in cities where there has not historically been the need—as well as in those lacking the resources—for cooling infrastructure, there is increased risk because they are underprepared.
Just like with a hurricane or an earthquake, the world’s most vulnerable cities need better preparation and mitigation measures to prevent and reduce severe health impacts, including death. This panel will discuss the planning possibilities to prepare cities for urban heat islands and their related impacts, including early warning systems, infrastructure mitigation, education, and heat wave management plans. We will explore how to ensure urban dwellers, especially those most at risk like the elderly and poor or those in vulnerable geographies, can remain safe.
Panelists
Tarik Benmarhnia, Professor in Epidemiology, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego
Iphigenia Keramitsoglou, Research Director in Satellite Earth Observation, Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications, and Remote Sensing, National Observatory of Athens
Ronnen Levinson, Staff Scientist and Leader of the Heat Island Group, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Chandni Singh, Senior Researcher, School of Environment and Sustainability, Indian Institute for Human Settlements – Bangalore
V. Kelly Turner is an associate professor of urban planning and geography and serves as associate director of the Luskin Center for Innovation, University of California, Los Angeles
Chelsea Harvey, Reporter, POLITICO’s E&E News (Moderator)
The Academy invites you to its latest event, which will focus on innovative coral restoration through the lens of both science and art.
Marine Biologist and National Geographic Explorer, National Fellow at The Explorers Club, and President of the Board of Trustees of SECORE International, Fernando Bretos, will kick off the evening with an explanation of the science behind creating genetically stronger strains of coral through the use of coral larval prorogation technique. He will also share the work of Silvia Patricia González Díaz, PhD, from the University of Havana, an esteemed scientist and longtime colleague of Bretos who oversees field operations in Cuba. We will then be joined by Tom Goreau, PhD, Director of The Global Coral Reef Alliance, to learn about “biorock,” a restoration technique that utilizes a novel way to restore corals with light electrical fields of negative electricity using the anodic-cathodic process on metal structures which then accrete calcium carbonate, a property that produces coral skeletons. “Biorock” is a “self-healing” material that, when appropriately grown, has five times the strength of concrete, which makes it excellent for wave attenuation and beach breaks. Dr. Goreau will illuminate our audience on the dire health of coral in the Caribbean, its relation to human intervention, and the concept of ‘Geotherapy‘.
The panel will end with Mara G. Haseltine, a science-based environmental Artist, exploring the link between our cultural and biological evolution. Haseltine will discuss her reef designs, which utilize innovative reef restoration methods that do not use plastic or concrete, showcased in her retrospective “Blueprints to Save the Planet:1 Coral Reefs” in the foyer of The New York Academy of Sciences new office headquarters. Haseltine will focus on her newest prototype design for a coral nursery in Cuba, combining the two restoration techniques presented by her team on this panel for coral restoration in the age of the Anthropocene.
Emily Driscoll, an award-winning science documentary filmmaker and Founder of BonSci Films, will moderate the panel.
Following the panel discussion, we invite you to an art reception featuring organic wine donated from Perkins Harter Vineyard and light refreshments. This reception will celebrate Mara G. Haseltine’s solo show, “Blueprints to Save the Planet:1 Coral Reefs”. It’s the perfect opportunity to continue the conversation after the panel event.
Nazeli Ter-Petrosyan is a data scientist and researcher from Armenia, researching artificial olfactory systems and biomedical image interpolation. She is a founding member and AI Developer at Wearify, a fashion-tech startup, and a data scientist at Opply, a food-tech startup optimizing the supply chain. As a TEDx speaker, young member of the New York Academy of Sciences, and a dedicated volunteer, she is passionate about contributing to and building community knowledge in her field.
Nazeli recently spoke to the International Science Reserve about the role of early career scientists in the initiative, and why she believes others should join her.
How do you envision using your data skillset and scientific interests to respond to crises?
One of my research projects focuses on artificial olfactory systems and their applications in various fields, including healthcare, environmental monitoring, and emergency and rescue services. Electronic noses (e-noses) can be used for the rapid detection of illnesses, monitoring emissions from oil and gas plants, and assisting rescue teams in hazardous environments such as fires. By researching this technology, I aim to contribute to developing tools that can support scientists and emergency professionals during crises.
Another research project I am working on involves biomedical image interpolation. Accurate interpolated images can provide scientists with videos at significantly higher frame rates, enabling the use of tools such as particle tracking for viruses. This can expedite the investigation of new viruses and their spread, ultimately accelerating the development of vaccines.
As an early-career scientist working in the private sector, what made you want to be part of the International Science Reserve?
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted our lack of preparedness for efficiently managing a global crisis. When I learned about the ISR’s mission to create a global community of scientists ready to respond to various crises, I wanted to be involved. I believe that the initial response and preparedness are crucial in dealing with crises.
By participating in simulations and projects, scientists can develop plans for different scenarios, making it easier and faster to implement these plans when an actual crisis occurs.
How do you hope to contribute to the ISR and crisis response?
I hope to contribute to the ISR by participating in various exercises and discussions with community members. I am eager to collaborate with them to build new solutions and refine existing technologies that can be helpful during emergencies. In the future, I would also love to help organize and develop crisis response plans.
Why should others join the ISR, particularly young scientists?
A major reason to join the ISR is the opportunity to become part of a global network of scientists. The ISR community includes individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, and career stages, providing a rich environment for growth and learning.
Interacting with scientists worldwide offers invaluable perspectives and insights. Additionally, participating in ISR’s exercises allows you to deepen your knowledge in your chosen field and refine your critical thinking and rapid-response skills.
Want to be part of this impactful network? Learn more about the ISR and the Academy.
Maria Tomas Cossa is a marine biology graduate with a Master’s in Conservation Biology. She is a member of the International Science Reserve and a prominent researcher at Mozambique’s Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies.
Currently, she is working on climate change mitigation through her pioneering research on coffee agroforestry systems and looking into the potential to store carbon in the soil. Maria’s commitment to sustainability and problem-solving on climate change is not just a professional pursuit, but also a personal passion.
Maria recently spoke to our team about why she joined the International Science Reserve, and the role she believes scientists can play in her region to help prepare for climate-related disasters.
What inspired you to study biology, and specifically climate change mitigation?
As I grew up in Mozambique, I became increasingly aware of the pressing issues facing our planet, particularly the rapid changes occurring in our climate due to human-induced factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and pollution. For example, the average temperatures in Mozambique have increased 1.5 – 2⁰C between 1961 and 2010. With this, we face so many storms nowadays that destroy the coast and ecosystems such as dunes, seagrass, coral reefs and mangroves. The realization that our actions were driving significant shifts in ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss, extreme weather events, and disruptions in global patterns, deeply troubled me.
Moreover, the urgency of climate change and its profound implications for future generations. This motivated me to actively seek ways to contribute to mitigation efforts. Whether through research, education, advocacy, or practical interventions, I felt compelled to make a positive impact and help foster a more sustainable relationship between humanity and the planet.
ISR community member Maria Cossa studies coffee agroforestry (Photo Courtesy of Maria Cossa)
Tell us a little more about your pioneering research on coffee agroforestry and carbon sequestration.
In Mozambique, the tropical Afromontane forest of Mount Gorongosa in Gorongosa National Park is home to coffee agroforestry systems that were developed specifically to contribute to agriculture, restoration, and climate change mitigation. In my research, I am working to gain a better understanding of the carbon storage capacity of soils in coffee agroforestry systems, and particularly how planting coffee with native tree species will help develop methods that support these climate benefits.
Mount Gorongosa contains fragments of natural forest alongside fallow agricultural land and a restoration program using shade-grown coffee. Coffee has been planted under native shade trees since 2014, and as the coffee ages out of production, the land will be left with a well-developed canopy of native species.
This is the first shade grown coffee project in Mozambique, and before this study, there were no data on carbon stocks on Mount Gorongosa. The main objective of the research was to study the contribution of coffee agroforestry systems on Mount Gorongosa to the soil’s carbon storage.
Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique
What inspired you to join the ISR? Why should more researchers from your region join the ISR?
I joined with the intention of connecting with other national and international scientists and researchers who have been working towards the conservation of biodiversity. In my country, we lack a lot of data that can help in decision making and being in such a wide network of researchers can open up opportunities for collaboration.
What role can biologists play in helping us all better prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters?
Biologists can play a multifaceted role in helping better prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters by contributing scientific knowledge, monitoring ecosystems and biodiversity, developing early warning systems, assessing risks and vulnerabilities, and informing policy and management decisions. Through collaborative efforts and a deep understanding of ecological processes, biologists can contribute to building more resilient and sustainable communities in the face of climate change.
What gives you hope or motivation to keep doing your work, given all the challenges we face today on climate change?
What motivates me is the fact that I know that there is still some hope of reversing the current situation on our planet, although there are many challenges. I have also seen cases of success in changing attitudes and that encourages me a lot.
For example, here in Mozambique we have mangrove and seagrass restoration projects where communities are the key elements and lead these projects, a large part of the mangrove is being recovered and with that other ecosystem services and various fishing resources that are of extreme importance for the coastal communities. This success story encourages me to continue this fight involving all sectors, from community to government.
Want to be part of this impactful network? Learn more about the ISR and the Academy.
Sarah Minson is a Research Geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey Earthquake Hazards Program. Sarah’s research attempts to understand not only how faults slip, but also to understand what we can and cannot determine about earthquake ruptures and how these uncertainties affect our estimates of potential earthquake impacts. She has also studied earthquake early warning systems to determine what kinds of warning are possible, and what kind of accuracy can be achieved.
Sarah recently joined an ISR webinar about earthquake preparedness, and then spoke to our team about how we can apply lessons from earthquakes across crisis preparedness efforts.
In early 2024, earthquakes struck Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. How did they fare in terms of being prepared for disaster?
Japan, Taiwan, and the United States all have high building standards and strong earthquake preparedness programs, which can help mitigate infrastructure damage and reduce casualties, but these are still traumatic events. Our hearts go out to everyone who was impacted by these earthquakes.
The Japan and Taiwan earthquakes were much larger magnitude events, causing strong shaking and significant damage. Both Japan and Taiwan have earthquake early warning systems, although the performance of the systems differed significantly. Because these earthquakes were located along the coast, causing seafloor deformation, they both led to tsunamis. There were tsunami warnings and evacuations immediately following each earthquake. In both events, landslides and rockfalls triggered by the earthquake shaking produced significant damage. These earthquakes were devastating, and their impacts will be felt for a while, but the high degree of preparedness in both Japan and Taiwan, as well as their earthquake and tsunami warning systems, helped to mitigate the impacts.
The United States is also highly prepared with earthquake and tsunami warning systems. The New Jersey earthquake was a smaller magnitude event that was onshore. Therefore, it could not trigger a tsunami, so these systems did not come into play. The most significant impact of the New Jersey earthquake was probably how many people felt the shaking.
One thing of note about the central and eastern United States is that shaking amplitudes decay very slowly with distance from the earthquake compared to the western United States. This is, in part, because there are so few earthquake faults. The rock is strong and intact. Thus, a huge region — and a huge number of people — can feel shaking from even a relatively small magnitude earthquake like this one.
After any earthquake, we encourage people to visit our website for earthquake information and to report whether they did (or did not) feel shaking. These observations are very valuable and help us understand how shaking from earthquakes varies. We received a record almost 184,000 “Did You Feel It?” reports for the New Jersey earthquake. It is the largest number of responses to “Did You Feel It?” for a single event since the program began in 1999 and broke the previous record of 140,000 responses for the 2011 M5.8 Mineral, Virginia earthquake (another eastern U.S. earthquake).
Can you share more about your research into early warning systems?
The first thing to know about earthquake early warning is that the name is terrible. It is not an earthquake warning. Instead, we monitor earthquakes as their ruptures evolve and warn people (and trigger automated protection systems) before the shaking from the earthquake arrives at their location.
The most familiar measure of an earthquake is magnitude, which is a single and simple number that literally describes the physical size of an earthquake rupture. Magnitude is the length of the earthquake rupture, multiplied by the width of the rupture, multiplied by how far one side of the fault slid relative to the other side. Then the result is converted to a logarithmic scale.
However, the shaking from an earthquake is highly variable and will not be the same for everyone. Shaking intensity decreases with distance from the earthquake, but can be amplified or deamplified by the type of soil you are standing on (hard rock or soft soil), your relationship to the dynamic evolution of the earthquake (whether it is rupturing towards you or away from you), and your personal situation (for example, whether you are on the ground floor or top floor of a building).
The single thing that most affects earthquake early warning accuracy is our ability to forecast what the shaking will be at your location. But even if our shaking models were perfect, there would still be accuracy and time limitations because earthquakes are not instantaneous: their ruptures evolve over seconds (for small magnitude earthquakes) to minutes (for large magnitude earthquakes).
If we were to wait for an earthquake to conclude so that we can make our best possible shaking forecast, we would use up all the warning time before the shaking arrived at your location. So, earthquake early warning must always be to some extent precautionary: we are alerting you to an earthquake in progress that has the potential to continue evolving into something that could cause significant shaking at your location.
During the ISR’s recent webinar on earthquakes, you spoke about scientists working with structural engineers and building designers to design buildings with earthquake science in mind. Why is cross-sector collaboration important in a crisis?
The U.S. Geological Survey’s mission is to serve the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth. One of our most important products is a national seismic hazard model that forecasts the intensity and frequency of earthquake shaking everywhere in the country. This is the information that can determine to what strength of shaking infrastructure must be resilient. That is, what level of shaking must a building be able to withstand for it to be safe. But how safe is safe? How unlikely and infrequent an earthquake is sufficiently unlikely and infrequent when it comes to earthquake risk?
These questions must be answered by people and their representatives in conversation with structural engineers and designers, balancing not just earthquake hazard considerations but all sorts of other hazards and societal needs and risks. What earthquake scientists can and do provide is scientific analysis so that people can make informed decisions.
You also spoke about planning ahead and prioritizing the safety of people with disabilities during disasters. Can you share your best practices?
In the webinar, Yuichi Ono, director of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science at Tohoku University, gave a very informative overview of some of the difficulties that were encountered in the aftermath of the January 1, 2024, M7.5 Noto Peninsula, Japan earthquake, and the special risks faced by those who are older or disabled. In the United States, where earthquakes are relatively infrequent and we may not have personal memory of a damaging earthquake, we can look to our recent experiences with other sorts of natural disasters, such as wildfires and hurricanes, to see how evacuations and recovery can be more or less difficult based on people’s individual circumstances and physical abilities.
One thing that is unusual about earthquakes relative to many other natural disasters is that they do not require evacuation, although tsunamis resulting from earthquakes can require immediate evacuation. Instead, in the United States where buildings are built to a life safety standard and should not collapse during an earthquake, the protective action that everyone should take when they feel earthquake shaking (or receive an alert from an earthquake early warning system that shaking is imminent) is drop, cover, and hold on to protect themselves from falling or being struck by something.
This protective action can be adapted to everyone’s individual mobility. The U.S. Geological Survey through the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) as well as governmental and non-governmental science, preparedness, and emergency response organizations are all working to make earthquake preparedness accessible to all.
What steps should you take if you feel an earthquake or get an early warning?
There are three things I personally would like everyone to know about earthquakes. One is how to protect yourself. As we just discussed, if you ever feel shaking or get a warning: drop, cover, and hold on to protect yourself.
The second thing is that earthquakes are not magic. Earthquakes obey simple laws of physics: a point on a fault is stressed, it moves, it transfers stress to the surrounding parts of the faults; if those parts of the faults are sufficiently stressed, they move too; and the more parts of the fault that move the larger the earthquake.
The problem is that we get to observe none of this. These faults are moving miles underground where we have no direct observations of the stress on the fault or the material of the fault interface or whether it is lubricated by fluids or glued together by small-scale fault structures. All we can do is observe how the surface of the Earth deforms in response to what is happening at depth and attempt to infer what is happening on the fault. This is what limits our ability to tell you what is happening on the fault right now, or what will happen in the future. This is why we cannot predict earthquakes. It is not because we do not understand earthquake physics (we do) and it is not because earthquakes are magic (they are not magic).
Lastly, I personally would like everyone to know that the largest source of earthquake hazard is not “The Big One” – an infrequent large magnitude earthquake. The bigger hazard is the medium ones. While each of these more moderate magnitude earthquakes impact a smaller area (again, magnitude literally comes from the length of an earthquake rupture) and usually have less intense shaking, they sometimes produce strong shaking, and they happen much more frequently than large magnitude earthquakes.
Why does this matter? When people focus on The Big One like a M8 earthquake that happens only every few hundred years, they may feel fatalistic: why prepare for something that is so rare and so scary? But if instead you focus on the more common earthquakes that happen year in and year out, the kinds of earthquake that you might even have lived experience with, the kind of earthquake that you are actually most likely to have to deal with, then you can be confident about being prepared for an earthquake.
Visit https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes for easy preparedness steps you can take. If you feel shaking, drop, cover and hold on. Have a plan for your family. Put your grandma’s dishes somewhere safe so that they do not fall off a shelf in the shaking from a moderate magnitude earthquake. These things are doable. These things can keep you and your family (and grandma’s dishes) safe.
Want to be part of this impactful network? Learn more about the ISR and the Academy.
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