Reinventing climate change adaptation with the Climate Resilience Early Warning System (CREWSnet)

Research summary

Global climate change is exacting a heavy toll on vulnerable populations worldwide. CREWSnet will integrate state-of-the-art climate science, impact modeling, and accessible decision support tools within an established humanitarian and social development environment. Starting with the most climate-vulnerable areas of Bangladesh, our vision is to build and demonstrate the CREWSnet forecasting system, development model, and intervention tools within five years, with the intent to expand and transition this capability for sustainment as a global public good. To achieve true impact in climate adaptation, the solutions created must be linked to those in need by organizations equally committed to social and humanitarian progress. BRAC, a project partner headquartered in Dhaka, is widely admired for its vision, durability, and scale, and brings inclusive and evidence-based economic development, climate resilience, and humanitarian assistance programs to more than 100 million people globally.

Leadership team

Elfatih Eltahir

Elfatih Eltahir is the H. M. King Bhumibol Professor of Hydrology and Climate in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on understanding how regional land use change and global climate change impact society through changes in the patterns of water availability, extreme weather, and spread of vector-borne diseases, especially in Africa and Asia.

John Aldridge

John Aldridge is Assistant Leader of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. His team leverages the research and development expertise of the Laboratory’s nearly 4,000 staff in support of humanitarian assistance, economic and social development, and disaster relief organizations.