Futures forged in trust Community risk assessments build international collaboration, expand access to climate data Sarah Ruiz
Science Writer/Editor
“There are so many cultural differences to consider,” notes Dave McGlinchey. “From how the meetings proceed, to specific local sensitivities, even down to Congolese humor. Even if I was cracking jokes in fluent French, it would be impossible to get the tone right. That’s why having someone like Joseph was so important.” In July, McGlinchey, Chief of Government Relations at Woodwell Climate, traveled with members of the Center’s risk team to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo for a two-day workshop. The Center has been involved in community
work in the country for over 15 years, led in large part by Joseph Zambo, Woodwell’s policy coordinator in the DRC. This workshop represents the latest collaboration—an initial assessment of the country’s future climate risks. Congolese professors, scientists, and government officials joined to discuss gaps in the data and to develop adaptation strategies to be included in a final report later this year. The workshop was facilitated by Zambo who, with poignant questions, stories to recount, and a touch of humor, guided the group through the tough work of planning for the future.
Expanding access to climate risk data The community risk work in Kinshasa is one of over 20 successful risk assessments conducted as part of Woodwell Climate’s Just Access initiative. The project produces free, location-specific climate risk analysis for cities and regions both in the US and abroad. The hope is that by providing free access to quality data—something often offered by private companies at prohibitively high costs—Just Access can facilitate adaptation planning for underresourced communities.
Participants laugh during a group session, led by Joseph Zambo (in jacket), at the climate risk workshop in Kinshasa. / photo by Abby Fennelly 24
Climate Science for Change
Fall 2023
