Focus on research: Dr Lydia Cumiskey, MaREI
Dr Lydia Cumiskey is a senior postdoctoral researcher with MaREI, the Research Ireland centre for energy, climate and the marine, coordinated by the Environmental Research Institute at University College Cork. In this interview she talks about the value of community in disaster preparadeness and recovery.
Tell us about your background
I studied civil engineering in University College Dublin, followed by a master’s programme in flood risk management that led me to research on early flood warning communication in Bangladesh. After working in the Netherlands for three years in applied research and development projects focusing on disaster risk management, I moved to London to start a doctoral programme at the Flood Hazard Research Centre in Middlesex University, where I delved deeper into integrated flood risk governance in England and Serbia. After finishing my PhD I worked for the German Red Cross supporting the Anticipation Hub – a knowledge and exchange platform for scientists and policy makers – and started my current role at the MaREI centre, University College Cork, in 2022.
What is the key focus area of your research?
I am focused on bridging science, policy and practice to enable more disaster and climate resilient societies in Europe. As a transdisciplinary engaged researcher, I support knowledge co-production among diverse stakeholder groups managing disaster and climate risk (e.g. national agencies, local authorities, emergency managers, water boards, insurance companies, and citizens) in the Directed project. My research supports the integration of technical tools and governance frameworks that can guide and build capacity of practitioners and policymakers. I’ve always embraced participatory and creative methods and through the BluePrint project I’ve deepened my research into using the arts for climate risk communication and engagement.
What are the main gaps you’re seeing in our preparedness for extreme climate events?
An ongoing gap I see is the lack of joined-up thinking and integrated ways of working across government sectors to support community resilience and value local knowledge. Building community preparedness to extreme events requires a mix of interventions across sectors from national to local levels, such as flood/coastal defences, early warning and forecasting systems, property level protection, insurance, nature-based solutions and risk communication. More integrated measures are needed such as long-term mental health support for those affected by flooding, preventing housing development in areas needed for nature-based solutions, and systematically enabling and resourcing community resilience groups.
Are there any examples of countries or groups that are doing something unique or exceptional in the area of disaster preparedness/climate change readiness?
In the BluePrint project funded by Creative Ireland, we found a new approach to meaningfully engage with communities experiencing the impacts of climate change, and provided a platform for amplifying lived experiences with decision makers and their communities. Artist Sara Walmsley worked with communities in Derry and Tyrone to co-create emotion-evoking outputs including song, poetry and a soundscape shared with decision makers and communities at risk. The process built local climate awareness, fostered new connections with communities and authorities, and stimulated actions for strengthening community resilience. The BluePrint learning exchange with Mayo helped to capture lessons and inspire future applications of co-creation for risk communication with other communities, artists, researchers and local authorities across Ireland.
Are there any future directions/trends that excite you in your area?
Maximising the potential of the arts and creative sector for supporting community resilience and risk communication excites me. The Creative Climate Action Fund supported 43 projects across the island of Ireland using a variety of creative mediums like visual art, film, comedy, dance, literature and theatre to build climate awareness and action. Engaged research can experiment with playful approaches in professional settings to break down silos, open up dialogue and stimulate collaborative action within and across government departments to build societal resilience to extreme events. Transformational change needs scientists, policymakers, practitioners and communities to step outside our comfort zones – how can we embrace the arts to help us think, feel and act differently?
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