Recently, the Cal Madow mountain range has been experiencing warmer temperatures and less rainfall. While seemingly slight, these changes are having a considerable impact on the health of the trees and the communities that rely on them. Climate change will only further shift things, and conservation provides a unique opportunity to strengthen and prepare communities through preservation.

It is crucial for the general public to understand that climate science is not a distant and mysterious subject, but something that directly impacts their lives.

When I tell friends, family, or strangers about the work I’ve been doing, the reactions all tend to be something along the lines of, “wow, GIS! Sounds interesting…what is it?” I always respond with a speech that, after having recited it dozens of times, is very well rehearsed.

Students should take away the basics of climate change and understand how climate impacts decision-making in their sector of interest. Enhancing their knowledge of the physical science is a must as well as understanding the importance of social science in the context of climate risk management.