Andrea Monica D. Ortiz, PhD (Monica)

Hello! I am an interdisciplinary environmental scientist with both research and practical work experience in climate change, food security, agriculture, biodiversity, policy, and systems thinking. I am driven by my interests in characterizing the interconnections between the global environmental crises, and understanding the social and political factors around them. I enjoy working towards policy-relevant and impactful research.

Key interests: food security, climate change, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and global environmental policy.

Let's collaborate! Let me know how we can work together. I am also available for speaking engagements on topics related to sustainability, climate change, and food security. Please get in touch for any questions!

 

Contact information

monicaortiz [at] udec.cl
• Departamento de Geografía, Facultad de Arquitectura, Urbanismo y Geografía, Universidad de Concepción
• Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Chile
• Manila Observatory, Philippines
UDEC FAUG profile
ResearchGate
ORCID
Google Scholar
LinkedIn
Twitter
CV provided upon request.



 
About me
I am Filipina 🇵🇭 interdisciplinary researcher who focuses on food security and climate change. Currently I am a tenure-track assistant professor at the Department of Geography at the University of Concepción, Chile. I am an affiliate researcher at the Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity) based in Chile, where I also did a postdoctoral fellowship.

I am also a Senior Research Fellow at the Manila Observatory and a fellow at Parabukas, an environmental law and policy consultancy in the Philippines.

I worked with the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources as a NERC-funded post-doctoral fellow on the BIOTA project, where I contributed to research on the interconnections between agriculture, biodiversity, climate change and international trade. I co-authored three peer-reviewed publications and a major report on Net Zero in agriculture for HSBC.

I worked on the assessment of the projected impacts of climate change on wheat production with a multi-method approach at the University of Sheffield Department of Geography for my PhD. I was funded by the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment as the flagship PhD Cohort of the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures.

Prior to my PhD, I worked in the Philippines at the Ateneo de Manila University School of Government, Department of Biology, and the Manila Observatory, where I taught and conducted research on risk and resilience to natural hazards such as tropical cyclones. I conducted training on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) extensively across the Philippines in partnership with Local Government Units and Civil Society Organizations.

In 2012 I finished my dual-MSc degree in Environmental Science (ENVEURO) from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) and the University of Copenhagen, where my Masters research was on the impacts of climate change on banana production. My Bachelor of Science degree was completed at the University of Oregon (BSc Biology, minor in Comparative Literature and Chemistry). I care deeply about environmental education, and worked as a naturalist intern with the Audubon Society (Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm, OH) in the United States. I have extensive teaching and training experience across many educational levels (Masters, undergraduate, professional, and for children and adults). I am recognised as an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.


Research and grants
  • Feb 2024 (Fair Finance Philippines Grant): Towards integrating gender and biodiversity dimensions into sustainable agricultural and financial landscapes in the Philippines
  • Sept 2023 (ANID/FB postdoc grant): Links between dietary diversity, nutrition and biodiversity in Chile
  • July 2022 (ANID/FB postdoc grant): Multifunctional landscapes in South-Central Chile

 
Publications
  1. Ortiz, AMD, Gayó, EM, Carrasco Henriquez, N, Jerez Henríquez B, Pauchard, A. (2024).Exploring the multifunctional landscapes model in areas dominated by non-native tree plantations. Trees, Forests and People. Link.
  2. Ortiz, A. M. D., Nicdao, P. Vazquez, J. (2024).Towards integrating gender and biodiversity dimensions into sustainable agricultural and financial landscapes in the Philippines. Fair Finance Philippines Link.
  3. Ortiz, AMD, Jamero, ML, Crespin Guzman, SJ, Smith Ramirez, C, Matias, DMS, Reyes, JJ, Pauchard, A., La Viña, AGM. The land and sea routes to 2030: a call for greater attention on all small islands in global environmental policy. npj biodiversity. Link.
  4. Ortiz, AMD. Characterizing the risk and impacts of tropical cyclones on banana production in the Philippines. Clim. Disaster Dev. J. 5, 50–60 (2023). Link
  5. Ortiz, AMD, Chua, PLC, Salvador, D, Dyngeland, C, Albao, JD, Abesamis, R. (2022). The impacts of tropical storms on the nexus of food, health, and biodiversity doi: 10.2471/BLT.22.288838, WHO Bulletin.
  6. Outhwaite, C. L., Ortiz, A. M. D., Spooner, F. E. B., Dalin, C., & Newbold, T. (2022). Availability and proximity of natural habitat influence cropland biodiversity in forest biomes globally. Global Ecology and Biogeography, (April), 1–14. Link.


    1. Ortiz, AMD, Baldock, D, Willan, C and Dalin, C. (2021). Towards Net Zero in UK Agriculture: A practical approach. Report for HSBC UK. Link.
    2. Ortiz, AMD, de Leon, AM, Torres, JNV, Guiao, CTT, and AGM La Viña. (2021). Global Sustainability Special Issue: Post COVID-19. (Invited). doi: 10.1017/sus.2021.8. Link.
    3. Ortiz, A. M. D., Outhwaite, C. L., Dalin, C., & Newbold, T. (2021). A review of the interactions between biodiversity, agriculture, climate change, and international trade: research and policy priorities. One Earth, 4(1), 88–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2020.12.008 Link.
    4. Ortiz, A. M. D., & Torres, J. N. V. (2020). Assessing the Impacts of Agriculture and Its Trade on Philippine Biodiversity. Land, 9(11), 403. https://doi.org/10.3390/land9110403. Part of Special Issue on Climate Adaptation and Biodiversity Conservation. Link
    5. Ortiz, A. M.: The multiple interactions of banana production, biodiversity, trade and climate in the Philippines, EGU General Assembly 2020, Online, 4–8 May 2020, EGU2020-1526, Link.
    6. Outhwaite, C., Ortiz, A. M., Dalin, C., Newbold, T. Modelling the interactions between global biodiversity and agricultural land-use. Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 21, EGU2019-12702, 2019, European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly 2019. Link.
    7. Ortiz, AMD. (2019) Projecting the impacts of climate change on wheat yields in the UK and Germany and assessing modeling uncertainties. PhD thesis, University of Sheffield. Link.
    8. Ortiz, A. M., Jones, J., Freckleton, R., Scaife, A. Characterizing bias correction uncertainty in wheat yield predictions. Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 19, EGU2017-4758, 2017, EGU General Assembly 2017. Link.
    9. Villarin, J. T., Algo, J. L., Cinco, T. A., Cruz, F. T., de Guzman, R. G., Hilario, F. D., Narisma, G.T., Ortiz, A. M., Siringan, F. P., Tibig, L. V. (2016). Philippine Climate Change Assessment (PhilCCA): The Physical Science Basis. The Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation Inc. and Climate Change Commission Link.
    10. Cinco TA, de Guzman RG, Ortiz AMD*, Delfino RJP, Lasco RD, Hilario FH, Juanito EL, Barba R and Ares ED. (2016). Observed trends and impacts of tropical cyclones in the Philippines. International Journal of Climatology. Link. *corresponding author and lead technical author
    11. Gotangco CK, See J, Dalupang JP, Ortiz M, Porio E, Dator-Bercilla J, Yulo-Loyzaga A, Narisma G. (2015). Quantifying Resilience to Flooding Among Households and Local Government Units Using System Dynamics: the Case of Metro Manila. J. Flood Risk Management. Link.
    12. Ibid. (2015). 6th International conference on Flood Management, Sao Paolo, Brazil. Sept. 2014.
    13. Porio, E., A. Yulo-Loyzaga, M. Ortiz, and J. See. (2014). Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Metro Manila Informal Settlements. Paper presented at the ISA-RC 46 Integrative Session, Addressing Social Inequality Before, During and After Crisis, XVIII World Congress of Sociology, Yokohama, Japan, July 13-19, 2014.
    14. Dator-Bercilla, J. and AMD Ortiz. (2013). “Framework, Approaches, Parameters and Measures for Climate Change and Tourism In the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)”. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Link.
    15. Ortiz M. et al. “Manila Observatory analyzes LPA that affected Mindanao”. Philippine Star. 23 January 2014. Link
    16. Ortiz M. et al., Manila Observatory. Technical report on Typhoon Haiyan (2013). Link.
    17. Ortiz M. et al.“June 17 traffic nightmare: the new normal for the rainy season?”. Philippine Star and Philippine Daily Inquirer. 6 July 2013. Link.
    18. Ortiz M. “COMMENTARY: Pablo, climate change and banana production in the Davao Region”. Mindanews. 10 January 2013. Link.
    19. Ortiz AMD. "Climate Change Impacts on Banana Production In the Davao Region of the Philippines". Masters thesis. 2012. University of Copenhagen and University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna. Link.


    Manuscripts under review
    1. Avocado production in Chile as a telecoupled social-ecological system. (under review)
 
Teaching and mentoring

I currently teach classes on environmental legislation, biogeography, integrated watershed management, disaster risk reduction and research methodologies at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. I mentor undergraduate students in their independent research to gain the title of Geographer.

Current lab members:

  • Sebastián Berríos
  • Catalina Eriz
  • Javiera González
  • Rodrigo Ibáñez
  • Romina Mella
  • Adrián Opazo

Link: Actividad Práctica en R, 19/8/2024

Link: Introducción (Cuenca) Actividad Práctica en R, 27/8/2024

 
Impacts and engagement

I truly enjoy engaging with a wide range of stakeholders through academic presentations and activities for the public. I love being invited to teach or give a seminar. I have curated an art exhibit about our food footprints, taken over a social media account to encourage young Filipino scientists to pursue STEM, and engaged with policymakers in various platforms. Communication and engagement are key for addressing the global environmental crises, and making sure our science has an impact.

Here are some of the things I am up to:

  • Guest, TVU, (local television news program) on multifunctional landscapes Link
  • Technical advisor, Philippine delegation to the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). Link to PH pavilion page

    I helped provide advice and contributed knowledge for the Philippine party, liaised with the delegation, and was speaker and panelist for side events.
  • Committee member, Andina 2024: Ecology for a Social Revolution
    This ANdinA workshop, the sixth in a series of international debates, aims to redefine the responsibilities and obligations that ecological scientists and researchers should have toward society and nature.
  • The Role of Sustainable Agricultural Development and Water Management in Ensuring Food Security in the Era of Climate Change, COP28, Philippine Pavilion, Dubai UAE. Watch presentation
  • Experiences of and Responses to Loss and Damage in Coastal and Island Communities, COP28, Philippine Pavilion, Dubai, UAE. Watch presentation
  • Poster presentation: Potenciar la multifuncionalidad de los paisajes en el centro-sur de Chile: oportunidades y desafíos en medio de conflictos socio-ecológicos: Congreso internacional Mega-Incendios y Simposio (CR)2
  • ¿Pueden los paisajes multifuncionales compatibilizar los objetivos de conservación, producción y bienestar humano en el centro-sur de Chile? International Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE)-Chile, Concepción, May 2023
  • Our complex food system and its interactions with climate change, agriculture, land- use and biodiversity (Guest lecture). Biosphere Reserves Institute (BRI), Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE), April 2023
  • Can multifunctional landscapes meet conservation and well-being goals? Society for Ecology, Chile, Pucon, December 2022
  • Project SMILE/ Hapag Kapwa: "The global socio-ecological crises and its impacts on Filipino food security.", Sept. 2022. Watch presentation
  • WWF-Philippines Education is Adaptation series for students, Careers in Environmental Science, 2022
  • ACT Alliance: Regional Best Practice Meeting on Climate Resilience, 2022
  • University of the Philippines - Visayas Learning Series: "Climate and Disaster Resilience : Coastal and Marine Contexts". Session on climate Change and its impacts, 2022
  • Philippine Center for Population and Development and Parabukas panel, 2022
    Food Security and Climate change impacts; Watch presentation
  • International Conference on Biodiversity and 10th Anniversary of the Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao, 2021
    Keynote speech: Watch video
  • Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP): 8th Population, Health and Environment Conference, 2021
    "The wicked problems of COVID-19, climate change, and biodiversity loss: revealing complex connections and developing solutions"
    Watch presentation, from 1:50h. Download presentation (pdf)
  • Partnerships for Sustainability Education, 2021
    Watch presentation
  • American Geophysical Union General Assembly, 2021
    "On the interconnections between agriculture, biodiversity, and international trade"
  • John Dewey School for Children (Quezon City) webinar, 2020
    "On COVID-19 and the environment"
  • UP IILS/ Parabukas webinar, 2020
    "On COVID-19 and the environment, policy"
  • The multiple interactions of banana production, biodiversity, trade and climate in the Philippines.
    Recorded presentation and materials available here.
    EGU General Assembly, May 2020
  • "How do our food choices affect the environment?"
    March 4, 2020, UCL Conservation Society mini-conference
  • "A comparative analysis of the methods used for assessing the impacts of climate change on agriculture"
    April 25, 2019, UCL Geography Lunchtime seminar
  • "Modelling the interactions between global biodiversity and agricultural land-use"
    April 10, 2019, EGU General Assembly 2019, Vienna, Austria
  • "Working in an international environment"
    April 9, 2019, BOKU, Vienna, Austria
  • "Biodiversity interactions and trade-offs with agriculture"
    January 31, 2019, UCL Environment Domain launch event
  • "Tips on finding a UK postdoc"
     January 22, 2019, 10:00 am, RJRR, Geography Dept, University of Sheffield




EnvEuro - Environmental Science in Europe- EnvEuro - double degree program in Envi Sci (this was my program)
Find a Masters - a list of masters programs that focus on agriculture, food security and climate change
Erasmus Mundus catalog- Masters programs across different EU universities

SEI-DOST scholarship resources - including info on scholarships in France
Chevening Scholarships- Chevening scholarships for UK Masters programmes

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