UW researcher gives keynote speech on human-wildlife coexistence and climate adaptation at international roundtable
Our take
In an era where climate change is reshaping ecosystems and human behaviors alike, the work of researchers like Briana Abrahms from the University of Washington is crucial. Her recent keynote speech at the International Parliamentary Roundtable on Human-Wildlife Coexistence in Botswana highlights the pressing need for innovative strategies to navigate the complexities of human-wildlife interactions. As we face increasing conflicts due to environmental changes, understanding these dynamics is not just an academic exercise; it's essential for fostering coexistence and ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and human communities. This is echoed in related discussions, such as UW researchers decipher beluga calls to bolster conservation efforts, which show how scientific insights can lead to practical conservation strategies.
Abrahms' research sheds light on the multifaceted challenges posed by climate adaptation. As wildlife habitats shift and food sources become less predictable, animals are more likely to encroach into human territories, leading to conflicts that can be damaging for both sides. Her findings underscore the importance of a community-first approach in addressing these issues. By engaging local populations and involving them in decision-making processes, we can develop strategies that benefit both wildlife and human communities. This is particularly relevant in light of recent events like the court ruling forcing Texas State to reinstate a professor for discussing contentious issues; it emphasizes the value of open dialogue and diverse perspectives in tackling complex problems.
Moreover, Abrahms’ work serves as a reminder that climate change isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a social one. The conflicts arising from wildlife encroachment often disproportionately affect marginalized communities, who may lack the resources to adapt effectively. Thus, as we consider climate adaptation, it’s crucial to integrate social equity into conservation strategies. For students and community members at institutions like Washington State University, this research presents an opportunity to engage with local wildlife conservation initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility toward both the environment and each other.
Looking forward, the question becomes: how can we, as a community, actively participate in solutions that promote coexistence? Engaging with research and local conservation efforts can empower us to make informed choices that positively impact our environment. Whether through volunteering, participating in local discussions, or simply becoming more aware of our ecological footprint, there are many avenues for involvement. As we navigate these challenges, let’s remember that each small effort contributes to a larger narrative of coexistence and resilience in the face of climate change. Together, we can build a future where both humans and wildlife thrive, balancing ambition with a deep respect for our shared planet.
Briana Abrahms once believed the focuses of her doctoral and postdoctoral work were completely different.
She completed her doctorate in Botswana, studying how humans were changing large carnivore behavior. After earning her degree, she researched whale migration at the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). But while Abrahms was with NOAA, a historic heat wave off the West Coast was associated with an unprecedented rise in whales getting tangled in fishing gear. The event reminded her of studying in Botswana, when an extreme drought led to predators killing more livestock.
“It struck me as important that you have two really different systems, yet in both cases an extreme climate event led to a change in human-wildlife interactions,” said Abrahms, an associate professor of biology at the University of Washington.
Those experiences led Abrahms to study how climate change is affecting human-wildlife interactions and increasing conflict around the world — from polar bear attacks on people to elephant destruction of agricultural areas. Her areas of expertise made her the ideal choice for keynote speaker at the International Parliamentary Roundtable on Human-Wildlife Coexistence held in Botswana in January.
Abrahms offered a global perspective on how climate change is impacting human-wildlife conflict while also providing specific insight on southern Africa, since she has worked in Botswana since 2011. The roundtable was hosted by the National Assembly of Botswana in partnership with International IDEA through its Inter Pares – Parliaments in Partnership program.
“It was really gratifying,” Abrahms said. “As a scientist, we’re often putting papers out and not knowing what reach they will have. You never really know where they’re going to go, if they’re going to go anywhere. To be featured so prominently in this intergovernmental parliamentary workshop was a career highlight.”
The roundtable brought together parliamentarians from Botswana, other African nations, the European Union, and beyond, alongside government officials, civil society leaders, local community representatives, conservation experts and international partners. Attendees focused on identifying solutions to human-wildlife conflicts while ensuring that the interests of citizens, local communities, ecotourism operators and wildlife advocates are reflected in policy.
Abrahms’ speech addressed the global impacts of climate change on human-wildlife coexistence.
She discussed increasing news reports of human-animal conflict, like kangaroos mobbing areas in Australia during droughts, and increased alligator attacks due to hurricanes in South Carolina. Previous research from Abrahms and her team revealed that the warming world is increasing human-wildlife conflicts. Another of her studies found that the overlap between humans and animals will increase substantially across much of the planet in less than 50 years due to human population growth and climate change.
“These issues are definitely getting more attention and when I gave this talk, it resonated,” Abrhams said. “Afterward, there was a panel featuring different parliament members and every single one of them had their own stories of climate increasing conflict in their countries, whether it was from a hurricane or a drought or a heat wave.”
Despite the wide variety of animal species and climate events — floods and hurricanes in Sri Lanka, droughts in Botswana and more — Abrahms was struck by how frequently climate change exacerbated these problems. She was heartened, though, by how many people from around the world came together to share experiences, success stories and challenges.
Some national-level policy recommendations that came out of the roundtable included predictable compensation and insurance mechanisms for when human-wildlife conflicts occur. Experts also suggested land-use planning that recognizes wildlife corridors as well as human needs. Among the other ideas: Investment in community resilience and climate-smart livelihoods, parliamentary oversight and a wildlife coexistence fund.
Public outreach is also an important piece, Abrahms said.
“That would help people prepare and hopefully prevent some of these conflicts from occurring,” Abrahms said. “Governmental fiscal planning also could help by anticipating that there will be increased strain on a system and extra money could be put into a fund for use during extreme climate events.”
Abrahms left the roundtable impressed with how much the attendees genuinely cared about the environment, as well as their interest in learning from each other and about her work.
“It was a very grounding experience,” Abrahms said, “and it was nice to be part of a policy-oriented audience. There is a huge amount of money and resources and personnel and expertise aimed at alleviating these problems. In that respect, it was uplifting.”
For more information, contact Abrahms at abrahms@uw.edu.
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