As climate change accelerates, so does the urgency for adaptation and resilience-building. At the forefront of this global effort is Dr Theresa Wong, who joined Singapore Management University (SMU) in July 2024 as Head of Science for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group II Technical Support Unit (TSU). This appointment follows the election of Professor Winston Chow as Co-Chair of Working Group II (Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability) for the IPCC Seventh Assessment Cycle (AR7), and the subsequent set up of the TSU within SMU’s College of Integrative Studies.
Advancing climate science at SMU
At SMU College of Integrative Studies (CIS), Theresa plays a key role in shaping the strategy and direction of the IPCC Working Group II’s reports. She supports the Co-Chairs in coordinating expert contributions, analysing research and ensuring that the latest developments in climate science and policy are reflected in IPCC assessments.
Bringing close to 15 years of expertise in climate change and development, Theresa previously served as a Regional Climate Change Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). She worked at FAO’s headquarters in Rome before moving to its Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa in Cairo.
Prior to the role, Theresa was an Assistant Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies at Carleton University in Canada before transitioning to roles at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and FAO, where she specialised in climate change adaptation.
As Head of Science at Working Group II, Theresa is instrumental in connecting scientific expertise with policymaking to help societies adapt to climate challenges. By staying at the forefront of climate policy developments, she ensures that the Working Group’s reports remains relevant and actionable for policymakers worldwide.
Reflecting on her role in shaping climate adaptation efforts, Theresa commented, “Developing countries, particularly Small Island States, often experience the most severe impacts of climate change. However, many lack the adaptive capacity to cope with these challenges. By establishing meaningful adaptation indicators, we can better track progress and address these gaps more effectively.”
First Singaporean representative in a global climate initiative
Theresa’s contributions to global climate policy extend beyond the IPCC. In a significant milestone, she was selected as the only Singaporean and Southeast Asian expert to serve on the UAE-Belém Work Programme under the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). Out of 800 nominees worldwide, she is one of only 78 experts tasked with developing global adaptation indicators in key areas such as food security and agriculture.
The UAE-Belém Work Programme marks an important milestone as countries are working towards a unified framework for tracking climate adaptation progress. Theresa’s participation in this initiative not only places SMU at the centre of critical climate discourse but also provides unique insights into adaptation metrics that will shape future climate resilience strategies worldwide.
Bringing global climate knowledge to SMU’s students and industry partners
Theresa’s arrival at SMU enhances its climate-related initiatives, deepening industry linkages and enriching student learning. In 2024, she engaged with students in Professor Annika Rieger’s Sustainability and Society course, where she shared her expertise on global climate policy and the IPCC’s work. Her session sparked dynamic discussions on international collaboration and the role of science in driving climate action.
As Southeast Asia faces escalating climate challenges, Theresa’s contribution is vital in bridging global climate science with regional adaptation strategies. Her experience in developing international climate frameworks will provide students and industry stakeholders with critical knowledge on resilience planning and international developments on adaptation.
“I am excited to contribute to this critical global effort, ensuring that adaptation initiatives deliver real benefits for vulnerable communities—whether they be farmers, women, youth, or marginalised populations. With the right indicators in place, we can attract the necessary investment to scale up impactful solutions,” said Theresa.
Photo credit: Theresa Wong