Juan: “Climate problems cannot be addressed with local or regional approaches”

Juan Montes Pérez, is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cádiz, dedicated to studying coastal geomorphology and the evolving impacts of climate change on coastal environments. In this interview, he discusses his research, the urgent need for climate awareness, and the role of international collaboration in the water sector.

What is your current work position?

“My current position is as Postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cadiz. I belong to the Coastal Geomorphology research group.”

Can you describe one of your work days?

“I usually spend most of my day on research-related tasks, combining data processing work with field surveys. In some periods, my days also include lessons and academic work related to the students. Another significant part of the time is spent on tedious bureaucracy.”

What do you consider the most interesting part of your job?

“I believe that knowledge about the coastal processes is vital for a society that is increasingly concentrated in these areas. Many of the activities carried out in these areas turn their backs on scientific knowledge. Coastal storms can cause impacts on the population, builds and infrastructure located on coastal areas, generating significant personal and economic damages. Furthermore, it is expected that in the actual context of climate change this will increase.”

What is a topic that you see as increasingly important in the water sector?

“The water sector is very broad and complex, and I believe that climate change will significantly affect a large percentage of this sector.”

What do you expect from international cooperation?

“The major challenges that this sector will face in the future will come from large-scale problems, such as climate change. Most of the resulting problems cannot be addressed with local or regional approaches, so cross-border communication and agreements will be crucial. Another vital aspect will be the sector’s ability to raise awareness among the population about the problems we will face.”

Why are you joining EJWP?

“I found out about EJWP during the conceptualization of the Skills4Water project. I found it very interesting to have a cooperative approach between different institutions to improve soft skills related to the sector. It also allows me to establish relationships with other EJWP members.”

What and where did you study?

“I studied Marine Sciences and a Master’s degree in Integrated Management of Coastal Areas, both at the University of Cadiz. Later I completed my PhD in Marine Sciences and Technologies, also at the University of Cádiz. During my PhD I did stays at the University of Ferrara (Italy), UNAM (Mexico) and the Institute of Marine Sciences of Barcelona (Spain), besides participating in an Antarctic campaign. My doctoral thesis was titled ‘Coastal vulnerability to erosion and flooding processes in the context of climate change in the bay of Cádiz and Algeciras’. Currently, my work focuses on the study of coastal storm impacts and the analysis of the evolution of the coastline using satellite images.”