Virtual Summit Submission

University of Hawaii at Manoa
Bachelors of Science in Biology

Biography

Reagan is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduating with an additional certificate in marine studies. They are involved in the UROP program, conducting independent research with a focus on conservation and sustainability. As an executive board member of the university’s Surfrider chapter, Reagan is committed to community engagement, education, and hands-on environmental stewardship. Professionally, she works in quantitative data collection and genetics research while developing a growing interest in qualitative, community-based research. Moving forward, she aims to expand their community action initiatives and explore innovative ways to engage people in local environmental issues.

Project

Community Response to Climate Change in Seville
This study explores how I am seeing residents of Seville, Spain, respond to increasingly severe summer heat waves driven by climate change. This summer, temperatures have soared as high as 110°F (43°C), disrupting daily life and emphasizing the urgency of climate adaptation. Through a series of interviews I conducted with adult residents over the summer, this research documents lived experiences, sustainable habits, and community responses to environmental events. My interview questions focused on how individuals manage the extreme heat, conserve water, energy, and food and engage with local sustainability initiatives.
The findings reveal that climate change has profoundly affected daily routines in Seville. Residents pause outdoor activity during peak heat, and the city has adapted by planting trees, installing shade structures, and reducing vehicle traffic in the city center to combat carbon emissions. These efforts are paired with public participation in waste sorting and conservation practices. However, despite these adaptive measures, the heat remains overwhelming, prompting many locals, who have the means, to leave the city during the summer months.