IRI interns return to the States

In 2009, ten graduate students from Columbia University's MA Program in Climate and Society traveled to developing countries to support the work of the Red Cross / Red Crescent Climate Centre. To share the insights they gained for linking climate information with humanitarian decisions in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, they produced this short film.

The Climate and Society Master's Program was developed with the support of the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, which is funded by the Climate Program Office, in collaboration with renowned Columbia faculty. In the past two decades, the annual number of humanitarian disasters has more than doubled, with the bulk of the increase coming from weather-related disasters. A changing climate, coupled with changes in land use and population patterns, means that in the future, more people will be living in locations vulnerable to storms, droughts, floods, and other climate risks. This project is one example of how the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society are working together to use climate information and forecasts to improve disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

IRI interns traveled all over the globe

IRI was established as a cooperative agreement between NOAA's Climate Program Office and Columbia University. It is part of The Earth Institute at Columbia University. IRI helps stakeholder groups from global to local scales better manage climate related risks and opportunities, through the best use of scientific knowledge and information.

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world's largest humanitarian organization, comprising 186 member Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, a Secretariat in Geneva, over 60 delegations, and millions of volunteers to support activities around the world. Its mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.

Read more about the partnership between IRI and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (or IFRC).