EESI Board Member Dr. Rosina Bierbaum Appointed as Science Advisor to Global Adaptation Commission

EESI is honored to announce the appointment of long-time board member Dr. Rosina Bierbaum as a senior scientific advisor to the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA). Just one week after the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s dire report, Global Warming of 1.5°C, philanthropist Bill Gates, former UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon, and World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva announced on October 16th  the creation of the Global Commission on Adaptation. The Commission was founded amid the news that, if global warming is left unchecked, catastrophic climate change disasters such as torrential flooding and prolonged drought could worsen and become irreversible in as little as 12 years. The GCA’s mission is to promote growth and prosperity within a warming world by means of innovative adaptation solutions.

As a senior advisor to the commission, Dr. Bierbaum will provide information on technical issues, provide advice on research, engagement and communications, ensure linkages to other relevant existing or emerging initiatives, and provide peer review. After synthesizing all of the intensive data collected by commission advisors, the GCA will release a flagship report by September, 2019. After the report is laid out, a “Year of Action” will commence, during which climate leaders and citizens will be asked to focus on climate action and adaptation outreach that targets the most vulnerable.  

Dr. Bierbaum will no doubt serve the GCA well, having devoted 13 years to the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment and eight to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (including a year as Acting Director), all while promoting sustainable solutions. Further distinctions include co-directing the World Bank's World Development Report of 2010, acting on President Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), and becoming Chair of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel of the Global Environment Facility in 2016.

At EESI, we believe the most effective policies are those informed by sound, evidence based research. Through her work as a scientific advisor to the Global Commission on Adaptation, Dr. Bierbaum will continue to contribute to climate action, and help secure a resilient future.

Author: Meryl McBroom