Talk

Environmental Policy and International Development: A Retooled Ecologist's View

Thursday, Apr 20, 2017 - 11:00am - 12:00pm
Event Location
Schmidt Conference Cener

Event Details

Summary: Most scientists think science should inform environmental policy and international development that affects natural systems. Fewer scientists have been trained in such engagement, which can be daunting given the plethora of complex problems and variety of decision-making contexts. This talk will highlight three cases (clean energy policy at the state level, agricultural development in Asia, and environmental safeguards in Africa) as the basis for broader lessons in retooling ecologists for lives beyond the lab.

Biography: Dr. Erwin is the Senior Analyst and Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa in the Multilateral Development Bank Team of USAID. She leads reviews of the adverse environmental and social impacts of development projects, such as hydropower dams and roads through protected areas. Her training includes a AAAS Fellowship, postdoctoral work at the International Rice Research Institute, a Ph.D. from Cornell, and an Sc.B. from Brown. See her advice to graduate students on the Integration and Implementation Insights blog.