我花在研究可再生能源系统上的时间越多, the more I learn about how they offer a win-win solution for a planet — and the many people on it — in distress.
当我想到 人为气候变化，我发现很重要的一点是 缓解和适应 as inherently political 挑战 that must be 检查 within the current geopolitical landscape. 2022年夏天, my passion for international relations and the field of political science expanded to include climate justice while working at an Israeli solar startup company, 全球十亿瓦特该公司在非洲农村社区建造了太阳能电网.
It was there that I saw firsthand the meaningful socioeconomic impacts that renewable energy made on a local scale and grew interested in sustainable development as a means of helping marginalized communities by spurring political and economic development. I was also introduced to the scientific aspects of renewable energy while learning about international energy laws and policies.
我在吉瓦环球的暑假启发了我 气候变化的全球政治 政治学教授 金伯利貂. This course played a pivotal role in my understanding of the synthesis of international relations and environmental justice. It also helped me affirm that I wanted to pursue the intersection of the two fields and to conduct a research project in a related subject: solar fields.
Laidlaw的研究、发现和成功
我的研究项目 莱德法学者领导和研究计划 检查 太阳能nanogrids (SNG) as a means of alleviating poverty cycles and promoting sustainable energy development. I looked closely at the low electrification rates and inadequate power generation capacity in remote parts of Kenya. 这些都是导致频繁停电的因素，扰乱了经济活动, 生产力, and daily life for millions of African people — leaving marginalized communities with limited or no access to electricity, 持续的贫困循环, 阻碍了社会经济发展.
从成功的 太阳能纳米电网项目 in Kenya, I found that solar energy can alleviate poverty across the African continent, which has a 高自然容量 用于生产太阳能. I conducted research using qualitative and quantitative data analysis on two case studies: Kenya as the primary and Nigeria as the secondary comparative case study.
Renewable energy is a pivotal element in creating valuable societal change in vulnerable areas.
我使用了在当地居民中进行的调查, 社区项目经理, and local government officials in Kenya to gather information on the SNG project’s impact. 我是通过对现有文献的全面查阅得到这个信息的, 包括同行评议的文章, 先前的调查和实地工作, 以下是国际机构的报道.
I was also lucky enough to be able to speak with a project manager and a scientist on the ground in Uganda and Nigeria. I analyzed the data from interviews and surveys using thematic analysis — a method to understand qualitative data — which helped me to identify recurring themes, 挑战, 以及围绕天然气天然气项目的成功故事.
My findings were that the SNG method of instituting localized solar energy in African villages can be applied to other states in Africa and propel development, 经济繁荣, 以及跨社区的可持续性. 天然气可以帮助发电, 工作, and educational opportunities — indicating that renewable energy is a pivotal element in creating valuable societal change in vulnerable areas.
去斐济及其他地方
The most compelling part about being a Laidlaw scholar was the opportunity to craft a research plan that allowed me to explore my passion for climate change and sustainability from the angles of politics and international cooperation. The program has been the perfect outlet for me to conduct interdisciplinary research with SNGs because it provides not only the chance to do 研究不过是机会 实现 我对可再生能源的研究是一种解决问题和建设更美好世界的方法. 作为莱德劳大学独特的第二暑期实地考察的一部分, I plan to travel to Fiji next summer to work on a sustainable development initiative through the Leadership-in-行动 program.
My interest in environmental advocacy and climate change action extends beyond renewable energy. 作为研究助理 Malgosia Madajewicz的海岸防洪工程 哥伦比亚大学气候学院, I am conducting surveys among residents of different at-risk neighborhoods in Queens and Staten Island to obtain data that we will use to identify adaptation actions and provide data to the City for use in future policy and adaptation action.
As climate change causes sea levels to rise, densely populated coastal areas of 纽约市 are 越来越容易受到洪水的冲击, yet there is low awareness of this threat and the cost-benefit scale of adaptation actions among local residents. 本研究的目的是帮助当地居民使用 现有资源 以适应洪水，并向他们提供相关信息. The project fosters informed decision-making to promote sustainable livelihoods and is an example of the kind of environmental advocacy necessary to equip urban coastal residents with means of resilience to climate change risks.
为什么太阳能?
