Dr Belinda McFadgen  |  Senior Environmental Policy Consultant

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Belinda has almost twenty years of work experience across various aspects of environmental management. After starting out in environmental law and planning, studies took her to the Netherlands where her academic research focused on policy innovation and experimentation in water governance and climate adaptation. Back in Aotearoa New Zealand, Belinda has worked on national climate policy and as a chapter scientist on the Australasia chapter of the IPCC’s 2022 climate change report on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability.

 

Belinda’s primary policy focus is climate adaptation and the climate/biodiversity nexus.  She has experience working with scientists, government agencies, iwi/Māori, and councils.  As a systems thinker, Belinda has a keen interest in the integration of nature and climate goals through innovative solutions. She brings to the table strong research and analysis skills, and well-honed communication and collaboration skills.

 

Outside of work Belinda explores Wellington’s hills and harbour with her family and admires botanical art.

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belinda's areas of expertise include:

• Climate adaptation policy and nature-based solutions for climate change

• Policy experimentation and innovation

• Provision of scientific and technical advice to support decision-making

• Key institutional settings for participatory governance

• Adaptive governance of social-ecological systems