Applied Research and
Knowledge Products
Climatepedia conducts applied research that supports climate risk assessment, adaptation planning, resilience strategy, nature-based solutions, and climate-informed decision-making. This work bridges climate science, policy, and practice to help governments, international organizations, development agencies, consulting firms, and research institutions better understand climate risks and develop effective responses.
Led by climate risk, adaptation, and resilience advisor Samuel Geldin, PhD, Climatepedia draws upon interdisciplinary and mixed-methods approaches that integrate climate science, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, spatial analysis, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. Research examines how climate risks affect communities, infrastructure, ecosystems, and development outcomes across diverse geographic and institutional contexts. Findings are translated into practical tools, policy recommendations, capacity-building resources, and decision-support products.
A central focus of Climatepedia’s research is understanding how organizations and communities make decisions under conditions of climate uncertainty. This includes examining why gaps often emerge between climate goals and implementation, how adaptation and resilience strategies are prioritized, and what policies, governance approaches, and investment decisions can contribute to more effective and equitable outcomes.
For examples of past work, see Publications and Media Spotlight.
Geldin, S., forthcoming [manuscript under review]. Reimagining Strategic Adaptation: A New Agenda for Upgrading and Unsettlement. The City in the 21st Century Series. Philadelphia: Penn Press.
Geldin, S., 2025. South Caucasus Climate Risk Profile. adelphi. Link
Rüttinger, L., Y. Khedr, P. Petrus, and S. Geldin, 2025. Climate, Peace and Security Assessment: Papua New Guinea. adelphi. Link
Geldin, S., 2025. Sri Lanka Climate Risk Profile. adelphi. Link
Lloyd, A., S. Geldin, and E.L. Birch, 2024. “From Grey to Green: Better Data to Finance Nature in Cities.” Paris: U.N. Environment Programme. Link
Geldin, S., and I. Koh, 2024. Climate Risk Country Profile: Bangladesh. World Bank. Link
Geldin, S., and I. Koh, 2024. Climate Risk Country Profile: Cambodia. World Bank. Link
Geldin, S., and I. Koh, 2024. Climate Risk Country Profile: Panama. World Bank. Link
Geldin, S., 2023. Climate Risk Country Profile: Colombia. World Bank. Link
Geldin, S., 2023. Climate Risk Country Profile: Djibouti. World Bank. Link
Geldin, S., 2023. Climate Risk Country Profile: Liberia. World Bank. Link
Geldin, S., 2023. Climate Risk Country Profile: Mexico. World Bank. Link
Geldin, S., 2023. Climate Risk Country Profile: Yemen. World Bank. Link
Birch, E.L., S. Geldin, M. Rodas, and A. Lloyd, 2023. “Assessing Nature-Based Solution Investments for Urban Investments: Research Supplement to State of Nature for Cities – Time to Assess.” Philadelphia: Penn Institute for Urban Research. Link
Birch, E.L., S. Geldin, M. Rodas, and A. Lloyd, 2023. “Assessing Nature-Based Solution Investments for Urban Investments: State of Nature for Cities – Time to Assess.” Paris: U.N. Environment Programme. Link
Geldin, S., 2020. “Region-building in the Decentralizing Philippines: Reframing the Discourse on Disaster Risk Reduction to Implement the New Urban Agenda.” Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 9th World Urban Forum Conference Paper. Researchgate. Link
Geldin, S., 2019. “Wolman, Wial, St. Clair, and Hill: Coping with Adversity: Regional Economic Resilience and Public Policy.” Journal of the American Planning Association 85(2): 177-178. Link
Geldin, S., 2019. “Advancing Urban Adaptation Where It Counts: Reshaping Unequal Knowledge and Resource Diffusion in Networked Indonesian Cities.” Environment and Urbanization 31(1): 13-32. Link
Geldin, S., 2017. “The Evolution of Indonesian Waste Banks: Two Tales, Two Cities, One Reality.” Tropical Resources Bulletin 36: 17-26. Link
Winata, E. S., S. Geldin, and K. Qui, 2017. “Adaptive Governance for Building Urban Resilience: Lessons from Water Management Strategies in Two Indonesian Coastal Cities.” Jurnal Perencanaan Pembangunan: The Indonesian Journal of Development Planning 1(2): 146-157. Link
Geldin, S., 2016. “Building Virtual Knowledge Capacity: An Evaluation of Global and Regional Adaptation Networks.” Delhi, India: 9th International Geographic Union Conference Paper. Researchgate. Link
Geldin, S., M. Hoffman, D. Pocta, X. Qiu, and S. Shah, 2015. “Statewide Climate Action Scorecard.” California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, UCLA Inst. of Environment and Sustainability. Link
Geldin, S. “Rethinking the Heavy Hand of Flood Prevention in Informal Settlements: An Investigation of Retreat-Related Practices in the Philippines.” Penn Institute of Urban Research. 26 May. 2022. Link
Geldin, S. “Upgrading the Safety Net: A Relocation Alternative in Philippines Informal Settlements.” Penn Urban Studies. 11 Nov. 2021. Link
Geldin, S. “Managing Floods in Metro Manila: A Necessary Roadmap for Short and Long-Term Reforms.” Urban Water Atlas. 12 May. 2019. Link
Geldin, S. “Climate Action Networks in Indonesia.” Yale Tropical Resources Institute. 24 Aug. 2016. Link
Geldin, S. “Panel of UCLA Professors to Discuss Climate Change, Solutions.” Daily Bruin. 15 May. 2014. Link
Geldin, S. “Economic Uncertainty for Canada’s Northwest Passage.” The Generation. 15 Apr. 2013. Link
Surabaya, Indonesia
Crossing the Manggahan Floodway, Pasig, Philippines
Rosario Weir Floodgates, Pasig, Philippines
Fishing Village, Bandar Lampung, Indonesia