Dr. Justin Vanderberg

Biography

Justin VanderBerg is a climate change geographer focused on understanding location-specific magnitudes of impacts and the disproportionate impacts on socially vulnerable groups, targeting mitigation and adaptation solutions to alleviate suffering and economic costs associated with climate change. His primary efforts are directed towards understanding urban heat islands, identifying who is affected, and minimizing impacts at local scales. Part of his work also explores the spatial distributions of urban forests and green infrastructure as potential solutions to heat islands. Additionally, he investigates the role of Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFDs) in providing accountability for climate change. Currently an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Geography, he teaches courses such as Earth and Environmental Science, Environment and Society, and Economic Geography. He maintains an applied focus as a climate change consultant with EnDev Geographic, aiming to help developing countries and cities comprehend climate challenges and make climate-smart decisions. His work has taken him to countries such as Afghanistan, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Australia, where he has collaborated with organizations like UNICEF, Care International, and RARE Conservation. Justin completed his Ph.D. in Geography at Penn State in 2013 and has since returned to continue teaching.

Research Interests