The challenges of seasonal rainfall
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A public lecture with Dr Caroline Wainwright (Cardiff University).
The challenges of seasonal rainfall: Understanding the challenges of rainfall dependence in climates where it doesn’t rain year round.
Abstract
Across Africa and parts of the tropics, water for agriculture and domestic use is predominantly supplied by rainfall. However, much of the tropics experiences a strong seasonal cycle of rainfall, with marked wet and dry seasons. The high societal dependence upon rainwater means that these seasons are of key societal importance to populations across the global tropics, impacting sectors including agriculture, health and energy. Recent declines in seasonal rainfall across Eastern Africa are linked with decreasing food security and other challenges. Yet, future projections suggest an increase in rainfall over Eastern Africa. This discrepancy between recent trends and future projections is known as the East Africa Climate Change Paradox, and leads to questions around the reliability of future projections. Improved forecasts across a range of timescales have been found to assist with agricultural and energy planning.
Sustainability - what next?
What do we want the world to look like in 2030, and how do we achieve this? In 2015, UN Member States agreed on the Sustainable Development Goals, a blueprint for tackling many of the challenges affecting communities around the world. Meeting these goals requires engagement, including by those involved in the Earth and environmental sciences. In this series, experts from a variety of disciplines examine the concept of ‘sustainable development’ and explore its implications on the use of diverse natural resources.
Our public lectures are free events that attract a diverse audience including the public, secondary school pupils and professionals. The series aims to open up areas of interest in the Earth and environmental sciences and present new research in this area to the public.
Parking
Our on-campus parking rules have changed. Parking at the Bute Car Park will only be available free of charge to attendees who submit their vehicle registration number. A sign-in sheet will be available during the lectures. Please record your details at every event.
The Main Building car park is available to blue badge holders only. Parking is very limited and there are 5 designated accessible parking bays. Visitors can reserve a parking space in advance by contacting carparking@cardiff.ac.uk.
Public street parking is available along Park Place and Museum Avenue. Charges apply before 19:00
Main Building
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