The University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Resources’ biannual magazine, Odyssey, recently featured several ESSIC faculty members in its Spring 2016 issue. In an article titled “Environmental Security in a Time of Scarce Resources and Conflicting Priorities,” ESSIC Director, Professor Antonio Busalacchi, Assistant Research Professor Melissa Kenney and CICS Executive Director, Professor Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm discussed the need for an interdisciplinary approach to solving the world’s most pressing environmental issues.
Busalacchi, Kenney and Miralles-Wilhelm, all of whom are featured on the cover of the magazine, stressed the importance of examining environmental issues in a human context. In particular, they touched on the concept of a food-energy-water (FEW) nexus, which interweaves the impacts of these three resources and requires a broader understanding of the chain-reactions that take place when one of them is depleted or abused. Miralles-Wilhelm coordinated a workshop in October with the World Bank to shed light on the importance of the FEW nexus.
ESSIC Researchers Robert Adler and Huan Wu were also recognized for their work on the Global Flood Monitoring System (GFMS), a flood monitoring and prediction tool that utilizes satellite measurements and hydrologic models to assess flood concerns on a global scale.
ESSIC Assistant Research Scientist Ariana Sutton-Grier was also quoted in the article, offering input about the importance of assessing natural capital and ecosystem services in the struggle to reduce environmental security threats.
The full issue can be found at the following LINK.
