معرفی
Professor Karen O'Brien is a leading academic in the Department of Sociology and Human Geography at the University of Oslo, Norway. Her work focuses on climate change adaptation, sustainability transformations, and the human dimensions of global environmental change. She holds a PhD from Penn State University and has held senior roles at CICERO and the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation. A globally recognized researcher, she has contributed to four IPCC reports and co-founded cCHANGE.no to support transformative climate action. O'Brien’s research emphasizes agency, creativity, and systemic change, combining quantum social science with practical policy insights. She has authored/co-authored over 20 books including You Matter More Than You Think and Climate and Society: Transforming the Future.
- Educations:
- BA in International Relations (1985)
- MS in Environmental Studies (1990)
- PhD in Geography (1995, Penn State)
Her research interests span:
- Creativity and collaboration in climate action
- Quantum social change paradigms
- Youth engagement in sustainability
- Policy interfaces between science and governance
Recent work includes co-chairing the IPBES transformative change assessment and leading the AdaptationCONNECTS project. She has received major accolades including the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award (2021) and honorary doctorate from Linköping University (2022).
