Dr. Lorenzo Rosa exemplifies the qualities representative of a global citizen-researcher working toward meeting the societal and environmental challenges of the 21st century. In his young academic career, he has demonstrated his passion, appreciation and drive for science as a tool to reconcile the needs of people and the planet. His studies on sustainable water-energy-food systems and the deployment of technologies for climate change adaptation and mitigation are shedding new light on pathways toward a more sustainable future. Dr. Rosa’s research is ultimately motivated by an ethical concern about global water-energy-food security, the impacts of climate change, and the challenges they pose for environmental sustainability and the livelihoods and well-being of vulnerable populations around the world. To this end, he has produced impactful and actionable research that can be used to inform sustainable development policy and investment. He is also passionate about outreach, presenting his work and its broader implications to audiences ranging from schoolchildren in his hometown of Lecco, Italy, to international leaders at the U.N. Climate Change Conference COP 25. For the clear societal implications and transformative potential of his work as well as his scientific leadership, Dr. Rosa has been recognized as a prestigious Ermenegildo Zegna Founder’s scholar, as an AGU Horton Research Grant recipient and as an influential young leader in science and technology in 2020 by Forbes 30 Under 30. Dr. Rosa is also generous with his time beyond his impressive research. As just one example, he has volunteered extensively for The Oasis Initiative, a nonprofit organization that aims to build the evidence base and local leadership necessary to overcome the most serious development challenges in Africa’s Sahel region. These efforts include advancing girls’ education and developing climate change adaptation strategies to improve food security. He has also been a vocal and active supporter of and made concerted efforts to promote women in science by effectively advocating for their recruitment for undergraduate and graduate research programs and projects. Because of all these qualities, Dr. Rosa sets a great example for how to make the world around us a better place —through both our research and our everyday actions. 

— Kyle Frankel Davis University of Delaware Newark, Delaware

Response

I am honored and humbled to receive the AGU Science for Solutions Award. I would like to thank Kyle Davis for leading my nomination; Inez Fung, Dennis Baldocchi and Jeffrey Reimer for sponsoring my nomination; and the award committee for their time and effort during the selection process.

Satisfying global demand for energy, agricultural and freshwater resources without causing environmental degradation and reaching net-zero carbon emissions is a central challenge of the 21st century. My research focuses on climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions to food, water and energy systems. What excites me most about my research is that as investments in science and engineering solutions for climate change mitigation and adaption are growing, so are the partnerships between researchers, industry, governments and civil society. Today, global leaders are discussing how to secure global net-zero emissions by midcentury, keeping 1.5°C degrees within reach and protecting communities and natural habitats through adaptation. In my daily research, I see a myriad of opportunities for Earth scientists to make impactful contributions in the pursuit of solutions for a sustainable future.

I am extremely grateful to AGU for supporting early-career scientists through the Science for Solutions Award — especially now as we begin to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am especially indebted to my mentors and colleagues at Politecnico di Milano; University of California, Berkeley; and ETH Zurich, who have inspired and supported me along my doctoral and postdoc studies and have created intellectual communities from which I have benefited enormously. I am grateful to my Ph.D. supervisor, Paolo D’Odorico, whose mentorship has been fundamental in shaping me as a scientist. Last but not least, I would like to thank Kyle Davis for inspiring me to pursue Ph.D. studies and being an example to follow.

Thank you for this award. This recognition is motivation to continue my efforts in using Earth and environmental sciences to bring sustainability solutions for the people and the planet.

— Lorenzo Rosa
ETH Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland