Phil specializes in the creation of interfaces between the technical worlds of climate science and system dynamics and the user-worlds of government, business, NGOs, and the general public. The purpose of an interface is to translate from the technical world to the non-technical while preserving the conceptual content and the access to it. These interfaces range from the form of graphical user interfaces for computer programs to conceptual interfaces in the form of workshops and briefings that translate the technical complexity of climate science and system science for the less technical or non-technical audiences. The C-ROADS interface of the C-ROADS simulation is Phil’s most current example graphical user interface creation.
Conceptual interface development is in the form of developing visual materials and leading trainings for Climate Interactive with a particular focus on those tools and approaches that will allow leaders to communicate the complex and sometimes counter-intuitive dynamics of climate change and the breadth of possibility for solutions. He offers briefings on emerging climate science, the range of solutions available to climate change, and the many opportunities for building a better world while addressing climate change. He has led trainings on climate change for leaders of community groups, grassroots groups, educators, and faith communities and has co-facilitated the World Climate Exercise for citizen groups and high school participants.
Phil also conducts trainings and workshops on applying the tools of systems thinking to the challenges of sustainability. He co-developed a train-the-trainer workshop on systems thinking for sustainable development practitioners, and has lead workshops on the subject for clients that range from colleges and universities, to NGOs, to businesses. Phil works with clients on applying systems thinking to strategic analysis for change. In the past he has worked on topics ranging from forest issues, to marine hypoxia, to healthcare outcomes.
Phil has a Ph.D. in physiological chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, and lives in an eco-village farm community in Hartland, Vermont with Beth Sawin and their two children.
