Interview with Dr. Panxi Dai, from Zhejiang University.
1. Could you share a bit about yourself and your career?
I am a Chinese atmospheric scientist committed to understanding extreme weather under climate change. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Science from Nanjing University, I completed my PhD in Meteorology at Peking University, focusing on atmospheric teleconnections and their climate impacts. During my postdoctoral research, I turned to focus on extreme precipitation and its response to global warming. Now I am an associate professor at Zhejiang University, my work continues to explore how extreme weather events respond to a changing climate.
2. What was your role in the project, and how long were you involved?
I have been involved in the project “Theoretical and Technological Study of Low-Cloud Radiative Geoengineering and Its Climate Effects” for nearly one year as an associate professor.
3. What was the goal and results of your work in the GRACEFUL project?
The goal of my work is to evaluate how geoengineering affects extreme weather events and to understand the physical processes behind these changes. This includes examining changes in extreme precipitation, heatwaves, and compound extremes using climate model simulations.
Preliminary results suggest that while geoengineering may help moderate the global-mean temperature increase, its impacts on extreme weather are highly region-dependent. Some areas may benefit, while others could experience limited improvements or even new climate risks. These results underscore the need for a cautious, region-specific assessment before considering large-scale geoengineering deployment.
4. Beyond your research, did the project bring other benefits to your career, such as networking, conferences, or new opportunities?
Absolutely. The project has allowed me to collaborate with leading scientists from different countries and disciplines, which has broadened my perspective and research approach. It also led to valuable academic exchanges, including joint workshops, collaborative analyses, and potential future partnerships, all of which have enriched my academic network and research directions.