Dr. Rachel James

Biography

Rachel James is an Associate Professor in Climate Science at the University of Bristol. She is a climate scientist with expertise in African climate, future climate change, and climate policy. Her academic journey began with a DPhil from the University of Oxford, where she investigated the implications of global mitigation goals on African climate systems. Rachel was notably involved in climate science related to policy decisions to limit global warming, contributing insights that were integral to reports discussing the impacts of 1.5°C versus 2°C of warming. Her research interests include climate modelling, adaptation strategies, and the application of climate change attribution in policy discussions, particularly in relation to ‘Loss and Damage’. Rachel has worked extensively on Southern African climate issues, addressing changes in weather systems and their implications for agriculture and water resource planning in Malawi and Tanzania. She is currently leading the SALIENT research programme, which aims to enhance the provision of climate information for adaptation planning. With a strong commitment to training new generations of environmental leaders, Rachel has also directed the MSc in Climate Change Science and Policy, supporting students from diverse backgrounds in understanding the intersection of climate science and policy.

Research Interests

Experience