_{What do you get to experience as a student of the MSc track Climate Adaptation Governance? In this blog post, Gustavo Christofoletti, a Geography graduate and current CAG student, shares his perspective. He discusses his favorite subjects, his field visit to one of our partners, the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), his internship with them, and a reflection on working alongside a climate adaptation leader like the GCA.}

Diving into my passions with Cultural Geography: Climate Adaptation Governance

My name is Gustavo Christofoletti. I hold a bachelor's degree in Geography from the University of Coimbra in Portugal. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in the course research methodology. This course provided me with essential tools to understand and analyze social problems on various scales, whether local, regional, or global. Along with my aptitude for research methodology, I also developed a deep interest in human rights, taking two courses on the subject where I could deepen my theoretical and practical knowledge of these critical issues.

I am currently a master’s student in Cultural Geography: Climate Adaptation Governance (CAG) at the University of Groningen, located at Campus Fryslân, in Leeuwarden. This programme aligns perfectly with my aspirations for my master’s studies. It allows me to explore the relationship between people, nature, and the processes that shape culture, as well as how climate change can directly impact cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. In a way, I believe this Master's is ahead of its time, as we are already examining the impact of climate change on culture and identity and considering how we might develop inclusive strategies to adapt to global warming’s effects.

❝ I believe this Master's is ahead of its time, as we are already examining the impact of climate change on culture and identity and considering how we might develop inclusive strategies to adapt to global warming’s effects.❞

Connecting with Climate Adaptation Leaders: The GCA Field Visit

One of the academic activities in the programme involved a visit to the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) at its office in Groningen. This field trip offered us insights into the formation of the organization and its primary mission: “To act as a solution broker to accelerate, innovate, and scale adaptation action for a climate-resilient world.” We also had the chance to interact with researchers at the GCA, learning about their diverse research and approaches to climate adaptation and community resilience worldwide.

It became clear that the GCA’s work covers a wide range of areas but maintains a central focus on enhancing climate resilience in specific regions and communities. The GCA’s four interconnected pillars of research and action include: 1) Food Security, 2) Youth Entrepreneurship and Adaptation Jobs, 3) Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions, and 4) Adaptation Finance. This highlighted for me the GCA’s multidimensional, holistic approach to climate adaptation. My takeaway was that the GCA is an innovative organization committed to developing adaptive strategies and plans for a climate-resilient world.

Gaining Hands-On Experience: My GCA Internship

The Fieldwork and Community Engagement course in Cultural Geography also allows some students to complete a month-long internship with the GCA. I was fortunate to receive this opportunity, which turned into an incredible professional and academic experience. As a Master’s student in the Climate Adaptation Governance track, completing an internship with such a pioneering organization in this extensive field was invaluable for my understanding of climate adaptation. Specifically, during my internship, I gained experience in conducting research on the socio-economic vulnerability profile of a region in Africa.

❝As a Master’s student in the Climate Adaptation Governance track, completing an internship with such a pioneering organization in this extensive field was invaluable for my understanding of climate adaptation.❞

A valuable collaboration

In conclusion, this professional contact with international researchers at the GCA was highly beneficial for both my academic and professional development, as well as that of my classmates. The GCA engages with topics directly connected to our studies in the Cultural Geography programme at the University of Groningen, bridging themes of climate adaptation and community resilience. For a Master’s student, engaging with an organization that is so innovative and ahead of its time adds greatly to one’s professional growth and understanding of this field. It certainly did for me!