University of Galway expert to advise UN on climate change
An international development expert from the University of Galway is to support the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment of climate change and its impact.
Dr Una Murray, Director of the MA in International Development Practice at the University of Galway College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies and a Principal Investigator with the University’s Ryan Institute, will advise on climate change impacts, adaptation and vulnerability.
The IPCC, the United Nations body for assessing climate change, is in its seventh assessment cycle, formally beginning in July 2023.
Dr Murray’s expert advisory role is with the IPCC’s Working Group II, which will be scoping the next IPCC Seventh Assessment Report (AR7), focusing on climate change impacts, adaptation and vulnerability.
Speaking to Galway Pulse, Dr Murray highlighted the vital work being carried out by the University’s Geography Discipline, saying: “This is a great recognition of the work of our Geography Discipline, where my colleagues and I are doing interdisciplinary research in many aspects of sustainability and climate change, from locally-led adaptation to climate education and in physical geography-ocean-atmosphere climate dynamics.”
“As a Discipline, geography contributes to improving our understanding of many aspects of climate change and is an exciting place to work for those motivated by the future sustainability of our planet and people.”
Speaking on the announcement, Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of the University of Galway, said: “Dr Murray’s engagement with one of the leading climate change bodies at the UN is a testament to both her insight and expertise on international development issues as well as our university’s strategic commitment to sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
Addressing Climate Change
Dr Murray also noted the challenges society faces in addressing climate change: “Although as a society, we already have a lot of knowledge on climate change, a lack of climate action arises for a range of reasons, including power, economics and the political and societal acceptability of the need for change.”
Speaking on her work on international development, Dr Murray emphasised her interest “in how positive change occurs, including how society accepts the need for climate adaption.”
“I’m also very focused on the concept of a Just Transition, which is gaining traction at the COP Climate Summits, with a dedicated work stream.”
Dr Murray also stated that climate policies are “critically important”; however, “implementing agreed policies on climate issues relate to institutions and their ability to translate climate policies to actions needed on the ground.”
Welcoming Dr Murray’s appointment and echoing the need for effective policies, Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan, T.D., said: “Governments rely heavily on the gold standard evidence on climate change that the IPCC provides.”
“This is critical to ensure our policies are evidence-based and to reduce the risk of any maladaptive policies in response to climate change.”
Minister Ryan acknowledged the work done to address climate change, stating that Ireland is “developing a reputation as a country that shows that climate action can and is working.”
“This is driven by the progress we are making nationally in reducing our emissions, but also because of the calibre of the academics, scientists, researchers and policy experts we have working in the field,” he added.
More information can be found here.
