Brian Kahn, Author at State of the Planet

Brian Kahn

Brian Kahn was the Communications Coordinator at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society.

Recent Posts

Climate and Society Students ‘Develop’ Research for NASA, IRI

Two Climate and Society students are working on a NASA DEVELOP project at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society. Learn about the research and visit their virtual posters.

by |April 12, 2013

Singing the Blues About Water Scarcity

Otis Redding sang “you don’t miss your water ’til your well runs dry” in 1965 about pining for a lost love. Last week, Climate and Society founder and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory scientist Mark Cane reprised it with a much different, more literal focus: water scarcity in the 21st century.

by |April 2, 2013

Discussing Climate, Cities and Food

Last week, the Earth Institute and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society hosted a discussion on cities, food and climate. What were people saying? Find out in this Storify recap of reactions from across Twitter!

by |March 6, 2013

Cat Puns, Scientists and Social Media

Social media plus scientists plus Chemistry Cat puns is a great formula for a talk, right?

by |January 29, 2013

The Truth About Verification

The December 2011 precipitation forecast issued by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society called for a 75 percent chance of above normal precipitation over parts of the Philippines between January and March. As the months played out, storms brought roughly eight inches more rain than usual for the period. That’s about 85 percent more than usual. Does this mean the forecast was right? What if the storms never materialized and the region received eight inches of rain less than normal? Would the forecast then have been wrong?

by |October 18, 2012

State of the Planet Conference: Climate Edition

On October 11, the Earth Institute hosted the sixth iteration of the State of the Planet conference. Held every two years, the conference offers an opportunity to assess the state of global, natural and human systems in order to identify those factors central to achieving sustainable development. The International Research Institute for Climate and Society Director… read more

by |October 17, 2012

Breaking the Poverty Trap in Ethiopia: Subsistence, Satellites, and Some Other Important Stuff

Two acres of cracked earth. In northern Ethiopia, it can be a trap that keeps farmers tethered to it for generations. Or it can be a springboard to a better life for this and future generations. What impedes it from showing its springier qualities? You could argue the biggest pressure on the land comes from the sky above it.

by |August 29, 2012

A Cup of Joe for #1000

IRI is offering a token of thanks for helping us reach a Twitter milestone. Care to help us get there?

by |February 2, 2012

The Art and Science of Speed Dating

Speed dating can help singles looking for love. Can it help bring artists and scientists closer together, too?

by |December 5, 2011

Now is the Time for Climate Services

Last week, IRI organized a conference that brought together nearly 100 individuals from 30 countries to discuss the state and future of international climate services. What was discussed and what were the outcomes?

by |October 28, 2011