Climate Adaptation Science Intern

Conservation International (CI) has been protecting nature for the benefit of all for over 30 years. Through science, policy, and partnerships, CI is helping build a healthier, more prosperous and more productive planet.

POSITION SUMMARY: The climate change adaptation intern will help with the analysis of global climate-related events databased (EM-DAT) to identify where people have been impacted the most by climate-related events in the past 5-10 years, and with the literature review to identify adaptation responses used to address climate-related events (water insecurity, food insecurity, landslides). The goal of the review is to answer the following research questions: 1) how are people responding to climate change impacts? 2) how and how often has nature been used to address those impacts? 3) what is the evidence of nature protection, restoration and sustainable management in addressing these impacts? The information will be used to identify nature-based actions that can replace unsustainable ones and the global areas that are the most in need of nature-based adaptation actions that can help both people and nature. The intern will help assessing and reviewing scientific publications. The final product will be a database with the information collected as well as a map of priority areas for the implementation of nature-based adaptation actions. The intern will benefit from working and interacting with staff, and improve their analytical and research skills, with the possibility of being a co-author in a publication. The results of the research could be used towards a master’s project, honors thesis or capstone project.

This position is a 12 week paid summer internship

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organize the climate events database (EM-DAT) for analysis;
• Prepare a global map of people impacted by climate change events
• Assess publications on adaptation responses to water insecurity, food insecurity and landslides driven by climate change using web of science
• Review publications and enter information in the database;
• Use the information collected to prepare a global map of responses and a global map of opportunities for the implementation of nature-based adaptation actions.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal working environment, likely remote working due to Covid-19. No travel required

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Current student in undergraduate or Master’s degree program or a recent graduate (3 months post-graduation)
• The student should have some understanding of climate change adaptation, as well the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, ecosystem services and livelihoods. The student should have knowledge on how to capture information from the literature into a database, experience using web of science and statistical analysis, and coding skills.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Conservation International Values

We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization.

• Passion: Inspired by people and by nature, we are urgently compelled to drive change for a sustainable future.
• Integrity: We are honest, transparent and accountable for our actions.
• Teamwork: We work together as one CI, recognizing that inclusion, collaboration and cooperation are fundamental to achieving a healthy and prosperous world for all.
• Respect: We respect each other and work to earn trust, valuing our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences.
• Courage: We pursue our vision, taking bold action, persevering and overcoming challenges.
• Optimism: We are optimistic about the capacity of people to be caring, generous and brilliant, and believe that with partners, we can inspire humanity to create a better future.