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By Alexis Blue and Mikayla Mace Kelley
University Communications
Today
University of Arizona News will highlight some of the many women who are working in different disciplines on climate change issues during Woman’s History Month.
In a recent Comment published in Nature, world-renowned climate scientist and UArizona Regents Professor Diana Liverman and her co-authors write that climate change will have disproportional impacts on women, who in many societies have the responsibility to provide food, water and child care but are more likely than men to lack access to land, insurance and disaster relief. Liverman, along with her co-authors, also wrote that Women play a crucial role in climate change research, response, and adaptation.
UArizona has a long tradition of women researching climate change. There are outstanding women researchers today working on climate-related topics in almost every college on campus.
Liverman said, “I’m so proud of all the amazing women working on climate problems at the University of Arizona.” “We cover a wide range of expertise – from climate science and communication to policy and art. We are making a difference in the knowledge and actions we can make, from the local to the global.
Ellen McMahonIn 1983, she came to Arizona with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in biology. She then went on to earn a master’s in scientific illustration. She is now a professor in the University of Arizona. School of ArtAs the inaugural associate dean of research in the College of Fine Arts.
Q: What’s the focus of your climate research efforts?
A: Artistically, I use color and form, design, scale, image, space, site, smell, and sound to create my experience. When I’m on the right path, I am often surprised by what I create, which can reveal things that I didn’t know existed. My work should resonate with others and spark thought and conversation once it is placed in public spaces. Since the beginning of my career, I have been focusing on the potential for art and art to increase awareness and response to climate change. This interest has led to me initiating several interdisciplinary projects. The publication “The first, which was focused on regional water,” was the result.Water: The Art, Design and Science of a Dry River|Water: The Art, Design and Science of a Dry River“She introduced me to several University of Arizona climate scientists, including Diana Liverman. Gregg Garfin. I used the University of Arizona data from the hemispherical photos of forest canopy canopies for a new project. School of Natural Resources and the Environment David BreshearsHe and his team were involved in their research on drought-induced trees dying-off. The final 8-foot-square section is called “Time changes,” which tells the story of the dying forests of the southwestern United States in the language of tree rings – change over time recorded in concentric circles radiating from the center. It is currently displayed in the exhibitionTrees Stir in Their Leaves” at the Center for Creative Photography.
Q: What got you interested in climate issues? Where do you think it started? Your work can make all the difference.
A: Twenty years ago, I became increasingly concerned by the findings made by climate scientists and began offering opportunities for my students to use their creativity and design skills in environmental projects. We took weekend field trips to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, to work with the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans. We slept under the stars at the environmental field station without internet or phone service. We learned about the biodiverse coast ecosystem firsthand, and assisted the center with a variety of projects that merged social justice with environmental conservation. Since then, I have created a course called Art, Design and Environment where students work on art and design projects alongside organizations like Tucson Village Farm. Arizona Project WETNative Seed Search, Tucson Audubon Society. It will take a cultural shift to encourage people to work together to adapt and mitigate emerging environmental conditions. This can only be achieved through a well-thought-out combination of artistic and scientific methods. Through my creative research, teaching, and research, I have seen how science and art collaborations can raise awareness of and catalyze a public response towards environmental risks. This helps us all imagine and work together for a more sustainable future.
Q: What is one thing that you want everyone to know about climate change?
A: Information about climate change doesn’t become climate action on any scale – from backyard composting to global policy – without human buy-in. We are creatures that are more driven by emotions than rational thought and often act against our best interests. Art can help us to replace the false narratives that led to our current crisis by engaging our senses and emotions. All knowledge is created through the subjective process and interpretation of data and information. Climate research projects will benefit from including artists and humanities researchers at the very beginning stages of research question formulation and conception.
Q: What advice would your advise to young girls who are interested in a career in climate research or policy?
A: I advise young people to find a balance between tackling the challenges of the outside world and cultivating an inner life. Pay attention You can see everything from your first-person perspective. This is always there and felt and experienced. Your passions and particularities should be nurtured so that they can lead you to the best place in the world.
