CW3E Personnel Present at the 25^th United Nations Conference of the Parties

January 17, 2020

In early December, Tom Corringham (CW3E postdoctoral research economist) and Tashiana Osborne (CW3E graduate student) presented in Madrid, Spain, at an international conference. This event, the 25^th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP25), centers around implementing elements of the Paris Agreement. During COP25, Osborne and Corringham shared CW3E research and presented examples of ways science can help protect lives and property.

This year’s key negotiation items involved establishing carbon market emissions trading rules, discussing the gathering and use of ocean and atmospheric observations, and planning for updating countries’ commitments to reduce emissions and build resilience. Countries did not come to agreements on certain agenda items, and compromised on others. Scripps delegates had the opportunity to attend and follow multilateral negotiations on these topics and others.

COP25 civil society events targeted on the theme “Time for Action/Tiempo de Actuar”. Several presentations called for equitable, swift, and ambitious action through collaboration and policy-backed climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.

For their press conference, Corringham and Osborne collaborated with Megan Bettilyon, Director of Renewable Energy and Special Projects at Global Good. The team outlined benefits associated with data-rich countries aiding in the worldwide collection of earth and atmospheric observations. Local data collection strategies can support the world’s most vulnerable populations while providing valuable observations to help all nations enhance model predictions and prepare for the future.

Months in advance, Osborne also joined a team focused on bringing student voices to the COP. As a third-time COP attendee and Scripps/Moravian College delegate, Osborne served as a peer mentor with support from Colorado State University and Moravian College. Each subgroup collaborated remotely on one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are considered blueprints “to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.”

During COP25, a new scientific paper led by Corringham and colleagues was released. The study showed that atmospheric rivers are the primary drivers of flood damages in the western United States, amounting to roughly $1.1 billion per year. This new research further sparked conversations with the press internationally.

Select Press Interviews:

• KPBS Interview with Corringham
• Pre-COP25 Radio Interview with Osborne
• NY Times Interview with Corringham
• Article featuring CW3E data collection efforts
• Post-COP25 Radio Interview with Osborne



Corringham, Osborne, and Bettilyon share the need for observations and local data collection efforts worldwide. (PC: UC San Diego)

Scripps Director Margaret Leinen, The Carbon Institute Director John O. Niles, Osborne, and colleagues discuss climate communication and public engagement topics. (PC: UN DESA)

Osborne and teammates share benefits associated with supporting compost programs that not only reduce waste, but strengthen soil and improve food security. (PC: Miriah Kelly, Colorado State Univ.)




Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and California Representatives Scott Peters and Mike Levin visit the Scripps booth and speak during COP25. (PC: Jack Pan)



Corringham, Osborne, and colleagues from Scripps and The Carbon Institute. Supported by gracious donors including Bettilyon and Global Good. (PC: Jack Pan)