Elisabeth Worliczek

Elisabeth Worliczek is a researcher at the Center for Global Change at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). She holds a doctorate in Cultural and Social Anthropology from the University of Vienna and the University of Nouvelle-Calédonie and has a master's degree in the same field. Her work focuses on climate change, societal transformation, and human dimensions of environmental change, particularly in the Pacific Islands.

Her research interests include climate justice, indigenous knowledge, climate-induced migration, customary land tenure, and environmental governance. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Wallis and Futuna, New Caledonia, and French Polynesia, examining local perceptions of climate change, educational systems in non-sovereign territories, and the integration of local populations in environmental management.

Her recent publications and projects reflect a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining anthropology, environmental science, and policy studies. She has led EU-funded projects such as MAGICA and contributed to expert reports for JPI Climate and the European Commission. Her work emphasizes knowledge transfer, societal transformation, and the operationalization of research for climate action.

• Associate Editor, Pacific Geographies (2020–present)
• Reviewer for Climate Services, Journal of Pacific Studies, and others
• Member of scientific committees and editorial boards
• Active public speaker and moderator on climate justice and Pacific climate activism

She supervises master’s theses and has advised on topics related to climate governance and societal transformation. Her work bridges academic research and practical policy, advocating for inclusive, equitable, and culturally sensitive climate action.