Many climate predictions focus on physical models like wind speed, temperatures and geochemistry, but significantly overlook how human behaviour responds to environmental change.
Many climate predictions focus on physical models like wind speed, temperatures and geochemistry, but significantly overlook how human behaviour responds to environmental change. Mathematician Dr. Chris Bauch is addressing this gap in research and considering the social processes driving greenhouse gas emissions.
“Without the emissions, there's no climate change. If we understand behaviour, we can better predict how emissions will change over time,” Bauch says. His research aims to develop mathematical models that view the Earth as a unified system where human actions and climate change are interconnected.
Understanding both sides of the relationship between human behaviour and climate change allows researchers to inform policymakers about effective climate actions. His interdisciplinary approach fosters collaboration with environmental scientists, ecologists and policymakers. Bauch stresses the need to involve decision-makers early in the research process, where as a team, they can bridge the gap between science and impactful policies.
Read More: University of Waterloo
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