Standing by the coastal wetlands of my home, I am reminded daily why I do this work. As Global South Chair, I can advance critical research into the limits of adaptation and the realities of loss and damage. This role allows me to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams addressing the disproportionate climate impacts facing low- and middle-income countries.

I began my academic journey at Macalester College, where I earned a BA in Engineering Science. I then obtained a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota and continued to complete my MS and PhD in Geography at Rutgers University. My advisor, Dr Robin Leichenko, inspired me with her wealth of experience in climate change adaptation. She encouraged me to see how climate change interacts with geography and development, shaping my future research path.

Pressing global issues

I currently serve as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group II. In this role, I play a leadership part in developing the Seventh Assessment Report on impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. My research focuses on understanding the limits to adaptation, incurred and projected loss and damage, and responses to these challenges. This work directly informs international, regional, and national climate policies, ensuring that decisions are based on sound science and the lived realities of vulnerable nations.

Interdisciplinary and global collaboration

This role gives me the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines. Working with RENEW and the University of Bath, I am building partnerships that integrate environmental sciences, engineering, and social sciences. Together, we can create holistic, context-sensitive solutions to climate challenges.

The Bahamas offers a rich context for studying how environmental and human systems interact under climate stress. Through Bath’s partnership with Caribbean and SIDS institutions, we are co-developing strategies for adaptation and responses to loss and damage that are rooted in local realities.

Interdisciplinary research highlights the nuance required in adaptation and ensures our solutions are both scientifically robust and socially equitable. — Dr Adelle Thomas, Global South Chair

Empowering the next generation

A significant part of my role involves mentoring students and early-career researchers. I enjoy engaging with colleagues outside my immediate field, learning from their perspectives, and sharing my own experiences. This exchange enriches my understanding and demonstrates how interdisciplinary research leads to more effective and inclusive climate action.

Contributing to global climate resilience

My current projects include:

• Leading research on adaptation limits and responses in SIDS
• Developing policy-relevant frameworks for addressing loss and damage
• Contributing to IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report to shape global climate policies

These activities allow me to connect academic research with real-world outcomes that benefit vulnerable communities.