Christopher Trisos

Christopher Trisos currently serves as the AXA Research Chair in African Climate Risk at the University of Cape Town, where he leads innovative efforts to understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change across the African continent. In this role, he combines interdisciplinary approaches—integrating environmental science, social science, and data analytics—to develop advanced tools for climate risk assessment, forecasting, and adaptation planning. His work is pivotal in translating complex climate data into actionable insights for both public and private sector organizations, enabling them to better anticipate vulnerabilities and implement effective resilience strategies.

As the Director of the African Synthesis Centre for Climate Change, Environment and Development (ASCEND), Trisos oversees collaborative research initiatives that synthesize scientific data to inform sustainable development policies. Additionally, he leads the Climate Risk Lab, an innovative platform dedicated to integrating diverse data sources and modeling techniques to improve climate impact assessments and risk forecasting. His expertise in interdisciplinary collaboration and science communication ensures that research findings are accessible and applicable to policymakers, communities, and industry stakeholders.

Trisos’s scientific contributions have been widely cited and featured in prominent outlets, reflecting his influence in advancing climate science and risk management. His skills in data analysis, risk forecasting, and sustainable development are complemented by a strong commitment to mentorship and teamwork, fostering a new generation of climate scientists and practitioners. Through his leadership, Trisos is driving forward more equitable and rapid responses to climate change, emphasizing the importance of science-informed decision-making in building resilient communities across Africa.