While attending the annual American Geophysical Union (AGU) conference in December 2022, North Central CASC Deputy Director, Dr. Aparna Bamzai-Dodson, was interviewed for the E&E news article “Experts: More diverse science is better science”, that discusses the increasing recognition of the value of more inclusive and diverse science groups. Bamzai-Dodson, who supports the creation of “co-produced knowledge” between scientists and community members, convened several sessions at the AGU conference that highlighted the importance of collaborating with diverse communities (Indigenous groups, local communities and nongovernmental organizations, among others) when conducting research.  

In the article, Bamzai-Dodson spoke of the importance of increasing diversity in science to find solutions to complex problems in climate science. She is quoted as saying, “I think when you have such a daunting challenge as how to adapt to climate change, we need all the innovation we can possibly get.” She goes on to note that working and collaborating with diverse communities is just as crucial as diversifying the scientific community to building a path towards equitable climate solutions that creates both useful and usable science.