City climate change lab
Mission and purpose
The City Climate Change Lab studies the policy planning and implementation processes for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The lab focuses on global cities, with particular emphasis on cities located in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Projects in the City Climate Change Lab are interdisciplinary and multi-method, including the use of GIS, natural language processing, semi-structured interviews, spatial ethnography, and archival research.
As a praxis lab, we will be producing a mix of products, including a collection of peer-reviewed journal articles, blogs, podcasts, and short executive summaries of research findings in Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Devon Cantwell is the PI for this lab. If you are interested in collaborating on any of our research projects, please e-mail devon.cantwell [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
Current Projects
GIS mapping of Buenos Aires, Ho Chi Minh City, Mexico City, and Seoul climate action policy implementation
Global city transportation policy database
Southeast Asia and Latin American city climate change action networking
Global city climate change action financing
Devon Cantwell- Principal investigator
Devon Cantwell (she/her/hers) is a graduate student at the University of Ottawa in the Department of Political Studies. Devon’s research studies how cities globally enact climate mitigation and adaptation plans, with specific focus on the multi-level relations of city climate action planning as well as the ethical implications of city climate actions. Her research focuses on case studies of the adaptation and mitigation strategies of four global mega-cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, and Seoul.
Devon uses a broad range of methods in her research including interviews, ethnography, spatial ethnography, GIS analysis, archival research, policy document analysis, as well as quantitive analysis.
FORMER LAB RESEARCHERS
CARLOS MUÑOZ- LAB RESEARCHER
Carlos Muñoz is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Utah, majoring in Psychology. Carlos is working towards eventually applying for a Psychology Ph.D. program and his work in the City Climate Lab has been a great opportunity to be involved in a research environment. When it comes to climate change, he is especially interested in understanding the roles and opportunities that are given to marginalized groups in advocating for their climate interests. In his free time, he enjoys running, singing, reading, and exploring the outdoors
Christy carovillano- lab researcher
Christy Carovillano (she/her/hers) has ten years of experience as an analyst and problem-solver working with non-profit and government teams focused on conservation and information systems. Supported by a bachelor’s degree in general science with a concentration in biology from Rutgers University, she specializes in collaborating across all levels of diverse organizations to prioritize and plan process improvements, data management, documentation, and technology initiative project management.
Most recently, Christy’s deep affinity for the natural world and a curiosity around nature-society relationships has led her to work on further building her research skills while exploring graduate school opportunities as she looks to pivot her career from the operations and administration space to be more directly involved in conservation and climate change science and research. She plans on being a driving force in equitably building essential climate resilience that will ensure healthy ecosystems and improve quality of life for frontline communities.
Hannah Keating- lab researcher
Hannah Keating is a current junior at the U studying Health, Society, and Policy with a double major in Theatre. She is interested in the ways that the environment and the policies that shape it affect the wellbeing of both populations and the individuals. Outside of research, she writes for the Daily Utah Chronicle, tutors, and participates in several student-led organizations. In the future, she hopes to pursue a Master's degree in Public Health and integrate artistic work on the side.
Shelby Strickler- lab researcher
Shelby Strickler is a Sophomore at University of Utah. She is studying modern dance and international studies. Shelby also has an emphasis in climate and sustainability, she is very interested to learn how climate change impacts communities in Latin America. She is also interested in how climate policies affect marginalized people and how their problems can be alleviated. Some things about Shelby are that she loves to dance, play violin, and hang out with her dog Tucker. She is from Baltimore MD, but loves Utah and all the outdoor activities!