Sara Belligoni

Sara Belligoni is a disaster scientist and geo-qualitative researcher who prefers spending time in the field rather than behind a desk.

Her research delves into the physical, social, and policy dimensions of disasters.

Belligoni focuses on how climate change is altering the characteristics of the ecosystem and patterns of extreme weather events, and the subsequent challenges for emergency and public health management.

Additionally, she investigates the risks communities face from seismic activity to enhance infrastructure resilience and improve evacuation planning, particularly in areas vulnerable to tsunamis triggered by earthquakes and submarine landslides.

She collaborates with communities, emergency managers, policymakers, and politicians to develop comprehensive plans for adaptation, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

The work she does is primarily focused on Puerto Rico and small island states, where she engages directly with local stakeholders to understand the unique risks they face, learn from, and co-produce solutions with them to strengthen the islands' disaster resilience.

Driven by a commitment to scientific innovation, communication, and teaching, she works with fellow physical and social scientists to support practitioners and foster the next generation of leaders in emergency management.

PS: Disasters are not natural.