±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ communities and ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, such as flash floods and wildfires. To gain a better understanding of the climate across the Pacific, University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa atmospheric scientist Giuseppe Torri, will conduct research that leverages both scientific and traditional knowledge in Â鶹´«Ã½ with a $700,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Beginning this summer, Torri, who is an associate professor in the UH Mānoa (SOEST), will use a scientific approach to better understand the climate of Â鶹´«Ã½, particularly those extreme weather events that affect the islands every year. This approach will mainly utilize extensive high-resolution data collected on the islands, state-of-the-art numerical models and novel machine learning algorithms.
NSF¡¯²õ in support of early-career faculty, the CAREER award provides funding to faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.
Complementary knowledge systems
“The vast knowledge acquired by Indigenous people through centuries of observations complements the knowledge derived from scientific research,” said Torri. “This project aims to combine the quantitative methods of science with the traditional knowledge of the islands¡¯ Indigenous communities to provide a holistic understanding of climate in Â鶹´«Ã½.”
The project will allow Torri to adopt place-based methods to teach his undergraduate course on severe weather. Though he initiated the creation of this course last year, the award will enable Torri to hire cultural practitioners and local experts to bring their voices to the classroom and provide UH Mānoa students a well-rounded understanding of severe weather, especially in Â鶹´«Ã½.
Sharing information beyond the classroom
Torri also plans to create a series of short documentaries about the weather in Â鶹´«Ã½, wherein he will feature conversations between people who understand weather through different lenses. Along with scientific perspectives, artists, poets, local practitioners and other stakeholders in Â鶹´«Ã½ will share their knowledge.
“It is important to share this information beyond the classroom,” said Torri. “Especially in the face of climate change, understanding of the dynamics that regulate climate around Â鶹´«Ã½ is essential to ensuring that the islands remain habitable and sustainable.”
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–By Marcie Grabowski