International Engagement and Adaptation

Strengthening our international collaborations in research, policy and practice, with a focus on climate-related adaptation and migration in the Indo-Pacific

About

Effective adaptation requires support for healthcare policy makers, providers (public and private), and patients to identify, prepare for, and respond to climate risks. Capacity constraints in the Indo-Pacific are one of the biggest challenges for accelerating climate solutions. The stream works with colleagues in this region to support their knowledge exchange and build communities of practice.

Leads

Kathryn Bowen - Deputy Director, Melbourne Climate Futures; Professor of Environment, Climate & Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, MDHS

• Kathryn is a leading, internationally-recognised expert on the science and policy of sustainability (particularly climate change) and global health issues, with 20 years experience in original public health research, scientific assessment, capacity development and policy advice. Professor Bowen is regularly commissioned by international bilateral and multilateral agencies (e.g. WHO, UNEP, UNDP, ADB, GIZ, DFAT) to co-design solutions for sustainable futures, and is a Lead Author on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 6th Assessment Report (2022), Health Chapter.

Celia McMichael -  Head of School and Professor, School of Geography, Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science

• Celia is a Professor in the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Celia conducts research focused on health geography, international health, migrant and refugee health, and climate change-related migration and displacement. She has worked in Nepal, Fiji, Angola, Peru and Sri Lanka. Celia is currently working on research projects focusing on refugee resettlement in Australia, and climate change-related migration and relocation in Small Island States.

Elise Moo - Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health

• Elise is an early-career researcher with experience in applied research, evaluation, and advocacy initiatives spanning international development, climate change, public health and healthcare sectors. Her research interests include planetary health, climate resilient development, climate adaptation for health, sustainable healthcare, implementation science, and the politics and pathways for international development cooperation.