​	Dr. Chris Funk   University of California, Santa Barbara Affiliated Research Professor, Department of Geography  Director, Climate Hazards Center Holder of International Excellence Award of KIT and Fellowship of Schroff Foundation (2024)

Abstract: 

In our modern world, so filled with distraction, it can be easy to forget the value of principles. Some simple ethical principles – like being kind to each other and helping those most in need – have laid the foundation of civilization. Some simple physical principles – like how warmer air holds more water vapor – help lay the foundation for climate hazard forecasting in a warming world. In our applied climate research, we have found that connecting these principles informs effective early warning systems. These systems take advantage of global scientific resources to inform local life-saving anticipatory actions. This is what we will talk about in this presentation.

From first principles, we can expect that tropical rainfall events in a warming world will become more intense. Yet, relatively few people appreciate how this process can intensify the impacts of large-scale climate variations. Over the past decade, frequent El Niño, La Niña and Indian Ocean Dipole events have produced extreme weather in eastern and southern Africa. Collaborators in the US, Europe and East Africa have been studying how climate change amplifies the strength of these teleconnections. We have also been combining these insights with the power of global climate models. This allows us to predict many extreme wet and dry rainy seasons. We can also integrate these forecasts with global satellite observations, thereby producing best-in-science agricultural outlooks.

But the most exciting part of the story comes in the last mile, when local meteorologists, agricultural experts, and media outreach developers craft advisories that can potentially reach millions of farmers. Stretching across countries, academic disciplines, and social groups, these information streams connect us, providing those in need with critical opportunities to adapt, manage weather risks, and be more successful. While many technical and societal challenges remain, these partnerships provide important examples of how science can contribute to society.

In case you have any questions or would like to receive updates on topics, lecturers and more, please send us an email to ieg∂intl.kit.edu.
The lecture series is organized by the International Scholars and Welcome Office (IScO) of KIT in the framework of the International Excellence Grants Program with funds granted to the University of Excellence concept “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association I Living the Change” in cooperation with the Humboldt-Regional Group Karlsruhe-Pforzheim.