
Dr. Asher Siebert
Senior Scientist on Loss and Damage
USA
Abstract Title: Climate Related Loss and Damage with a Case Study in the Caribbean
Biography:
Asher Siebert, PhD
Senior Scientist on Loss and Damage, Climate Analytics
Dr. Asher Siebert is an accomplished climate scientist and physical geographer with over 15 years of experience in seasonal predictability, climate extremes analysis, adaptation to climate risks, and climate-economy modeling. His work is driven by a passion for addressing complex challenges across geographies and sectors, including loss and damage, food security, public health, and humanitarian responses to natural disasters.
In his current role as Senior Scientist on Loss and Damage at Climate Analytics, Dr. Siebert focuses on climate science, multidisciplinary analysis of climate-related loss and damage, stakeholder engagement for climate adaptation, and climate finance. He leads a key project in St. Kitts and Nevis and provides advisory support for various initiatives involving small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).
Prior to joining Climate Analytics, Dr. Siebert worked at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) at Columbia University Climate School from 2016 to 2022. At IRI, he contributed to projects on seasonal forecasting for food security and forecast-based financing for anticipatory humanitarian responses. His responsibilities included developing seasonal forecasts, training meteorologists from partner nations in Africa, creating educational curricula, and conducting peer-reviewed research.
Dr. Siebert earned his PhD in Geography from Rutgers University, an MA in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and a BA in Geosciences from Princeton University. He has held postdoctoral positions at Princeton University and Columbia University, further solidifying his expertise in climate science.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Siebert enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. He is also an avocational musician, bringing creativity and harmony to both his work and personal life.
Research Interest:
Dr. Asher Siebert's research interests encompass a wide range of topics in climate science, geography, and their intersection with societal challenges. These include:
- Seasonal Predictability and Forecasting: Developing and applying tools for seasonal climate predictions to support decision-making in agriculture, food security, and disaster preparedness.
- Climate Extremes and Risks: Analyzing extreme weather events and their impacts on vulnerable communities, with a focus on adaptation strategies.
- Loss and Damage: Investigating the mechanisms, metrics, and policy solutions for addressing climate-related loss and damage in small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs).
- Climate-Economy Modeling: Exploring the economic impacts of climate change and the integration of adaptation and mitigation measures into economic planning.
- Humanitarian Response to Natural Disasters: Enhancing anticipatory action through forecast-based financing and climate-informed decision-making for disaster risk reduction.
- Food Security and Public Health: Examining the intersections of climate variability, food systems, and health outcomes, particularly in climate-sensitive regions.
- Climate Finance and Policy: Engaging in multidisciplinary approaches to mobilize resources for climate adaptation and resilience-building initiatives.
Dr. Siebert’s work combines robust scientific research with practical applications to address urgent climate challenges and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations worldwide.