Jason Smerdon presented students with an overview of his research on the linkages between climate change and megadroughts, while Róisín Commane discussed the impact that greenhouse gas emissions have on New York City’s air quality. Joaqium Goes, who was recently featured in Columbia Magazine for his work on microplastics in New York City waterways, delved into the battleground of natural and human-made climate change hardships emerging in regions near the Arabian Sea.
The students toured on-site research laboratories, led by the scientists who oversee these very labs. The public policy students gained perspective into how scientists conduct their work. They were able to question scientists directly about new research developments and their views on how their research could inform public policy.
Effective environmental policy hinges on a solid understanding of the science that backs it. Over the course of the one-year master’s program, these students will gain an understanding of how earth systems function, such as the Earth’s climate. They will also acquire skillsets that allow them to communicate and transform complex scientific concepts into actionable policies that can help mitigate or resolve the pressing issues that we face. This excursion to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory helped to bring scientists and future policymakers together in the hope that we may find and effectuate science-driven solutions by embracing our strongest weapon in the fight to preserve our planet: education.
Aurora Barone graduated in May 2019 with a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy. She currently works as a research assistant with the Earth Institute focusing on impact investments in emerging markets.