Welcome to ClimTransform Lab
Shaping the Future of Our Planet
Exploring transformative ideas and innovative responses to climate change through adaptive strategies, solutions, and long-term sustainability frameworks.
JOLA AJIBADE
Associate Professor • Environmental Sciences • Emory University
I am an environmental and human geographer. I apply environmental justice and political ecology lenses to study the intersection of climate change, urban sustainability, and societal transformation. My research focuses on how individuals, communities, and cities respond to global environmental change, and their different capacities for adaptation, resilience, transformation, and long-term sustainability. Specifically, I explore the impacts of uncritical climate solutions, resilience planning, and sustainability practices on marginalized communities.
This includes examining spatial disaster risk reduction strategies, managed retreat programs, water revitalization initiatives, just transitions, green infrastructure, and transformative adaptation planning. I frequently work, advise, help, and stay aware of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and/or low-income communities on climate justice issues including gentrification, displacement, and green space allocation that emerge from climate interventions and decarbonization conversations.
Highlight of our Research
Explore our research in future cities, sustainable cities, environmental justice, climate adaptation, and education, spanning critical discourse, theories, gender and climate justice perspectives, and innovative solutions that address complex global challenges.
Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative
Comprehensive mapping of climate vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies across global regions.
Transformation in “Sustainable Cities”
Developing frameworks for urban sustainability and climate resilience in metropolitan areas.
Transformation in Urban Settlements
Analyzing vulnerability and adaptation in informal urban settlements facing climate threats.
Theorizing Transformation in the Anthropocene
Developing critical theories for understanding climate change in the Anthropocene era.
Cascading Disasters and Resilience Planning
Research on complex disaster cascades and developing effective resilience strategies.
Tree equity and eco-gentrification
Examining the social implications of urban greening initiatives and environmental justice.
Community Engagement Gallery
Our research focuses on how individuals, communities, and cities respond to global environmental change, and their adaptive capacities for adaptation, resilience, transformation, and long-term sustainability.
Manila
Urban resilience and community adaptation strategies in the Philippines
Portland
Green infrastructure and climate justice initiatives in Oregon
Lagos
Informal settlements and climate vulnerability research in Nigeria
Portland
Smart city solutions and climate innovation research in Japan
Explore Our Complete Collection
Discover all 400+ images showcasing our community engagement and research activities across Manila, Portland, Lagos, Tokyo, and more cities worldwide.
I am accepting master's and Ph.D. Students in 2025
If you’re interested in future cities, sustainable cities, environmental justice, climate adaptation, and education, spanning critical discourse, theories, gender and climate justice perspectives, I’d love to hear from you.
ClimTransform is the right place to be. We’d love to get in touch with you!