Fonna Forman

Fonna Forman is a Professor of Political Science and Founding Director of the UCSD Center on Global Justice. She holds an interdisciplinary focus at the intersection of ethics, urban policy, and public culture, with expertise in climate justice, border ethics, and equitable urbanization. Her work bridges political theory with urbanism, collaborating with architects, artists, and policymakers globally.

• Affiliations: UCSD Urban Studies & Planning Department, Center for Energy Research, Deep Decarbonization Initiative, Border Solutions Alliance
• Key Roles: Co-Chair of UC Global Climate Leadership Council (2021–present), Vice-Chair of UC's Bending the Curve Report (2015), Member of the Global Citizenship Commission (2014–2018)

Her research includes:

• Climate risk in underserved California communities (NSF-funded)
• "Cross-Border Citizenship" book project
• Adam Smith's legacies in Latin American development

Forman co-leads the UCSD Community Stations, a Mellon Foundation-funded initiative addressing poverty and social equity in the San Diego-Tijuana border region. Her collaborations with artist Teddy Cruz and climate scientist Ram Ramanathan have produced influential civic interventions and academic initiatives, including the globally taught Bending the Curve climate solutions course.