Author: Alex Fischer

Alex Fischer is currently program manager and research associate at CIESIN, focusing on Haiti projects. His current research focuses on designing integrated development strategies in Haiti, with active projects situated throughout watersheds there. Previously, Fischer worked on developing environmental performance indicators in Abu Dhabi and conducted research on groundwater resource management during and following civil war periods in Lebanon. He graduated from SIPA’s MIA program and attended an M.A. program at the American University of Beirut, where he studied groundwater management in post-conflict settings.

Critical Role for Geospatial Data in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

To ensure no one is left behind by the next generation of global development goals, a comprehensive mix of robust data is needed to measure progress and guide investments. A recent report coordinated by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network estimates the world will need to spend roughly $1 billion a year to sustain and enhance…
Fragile States Use Geospatial Data and Maps to Better Manage Natural Resources

Some of the world’s poorest nations have an abundance of natural resources, but also have suffered under recent conflicts. Learning how to manage these resources strategically and sustainably can help accelerate growth and development. A new web-based mapping tool may be able to help them do that.
Remote Data Team Helped Put Haiti Back on the Map

Before the Haiti earthquake, few publicly available maps of the country existed. When the earthquake hit in 2010, some of the little data that existed was destroyed. Then a team at Tufts University went into action, and from afar, helped build updated maps of roads and earthquake damage to help humanitarian organizations deal with the…
Linking Climate, Security and Development to Fragility in Haiti

As part of the Fall 2014 Haiti Dialogue Series organized by the Earth Institute’s Haiti Research and Policy Program, a group of faculty, researchers, students and policymakers gathered to discuss the latest research linking climate change, natural hazards, development and fragility in Haiti.
On Bananas, Coffee and Teaching Environmental Links to Conflict

Student demand, a surge in new ideas, and various partnerships with the Earth Institute at Columbia University have led to the new Environment, Peace, and Security Executive Seminar.
New Seminar Focuses on Links Between Environment, Conflict and Security

The Earth Institute is launching a new interdisciplinary seminar to help business and policy leaders better understand the connections between environmental stresses, natural resources and conflicts.
Mobile Maps Help Haitians Locate Government Offices

Until last month, Haitians had no way to search online to find the location of government offices. Now, thanks to a collaboration between the Earth Institute and Haiti’s government, there’s a registry of every government office accessible online and on mobile devices.
Skill-based Volunteerism by Lawyers in Haiti

Three distinguished lawyers spoke about their experiences with pro-bono work in Haiti at the latest session in the Haiti Dialog Series, run by the Haiti Research and Policy Program at the Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development.
SurTab Tablets and Mobile Phone Technology’s Impact on Development in Haiti

The Haiti Research and Policy Program at the Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development concluded the Fall 2013 Dialogue Series with guest Maarten Boute, CEO of SurTab Haiti, the first Android tablet manufacturing company in Haiti. Boute is the former CEO of Digicel Haiti, a mobile phone network provider currently operating in 31 markets across…

Critical Role for Geospatial Data in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

To ensure no one is left behind by the next generation of global development goals, a comprehensive mix of robust data is needed to measure progress and guide investments. A recent report coordinated by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network estimates the world will need to spend roughly $1 billion a year to sustain and enhance…
Fragile States Use Geospatial Data and Maps to Better Manage Natural Resources

Some of the world’s poorest nations have an abundance of natural resources, but also have suffered under recent conflicts. Learning how to manage these resources strategically and sustainably can help accelerate growth and development. A new web-based mapping tool may be able to help them do that.
Remote Data Team Helped Put Haiti Back on the Map

Before the Haiti earthquake, few publicly available maps of the country existed. When the earthquake hit in 2010, some of the little data that existed was destroyed. Then a team at Tufts University went into action, and from afar, helped build updated maps of roads and earthquake damage to help humanitarian organizations deal with the…
Linking Climate, Security and Development to Fragility in Haiti

As part of the Fall 2014 Haiti Dialogue Series organized by the Earth Institute’s Haiti Research and Policy Program, a group of faculty, researchers, students and policymakers gathered to discuss the latest research linking climate change, natural hazards, development and fragility in Haiti.
On Bananas, Coffee and Teaching Environmental Links to Conflict

Student demand, a surge in new ideas, and various partnerships with the Earth Institute at Columbia University have led to the new Environment, Peace, and Security Executive Seminar.
New Seminar Focuses on Links Between Environment, Conflict and Security

The Earth Institute is launching a new interdisciplinary seminar to help business and policy leaders better understand the connections between environmental stresses, natural resources and conflicts.
Mobile Maps Help Haitians Locate Government Offices

Until last month, Haitians had no way to search online to find the location of government offices. Now, thanks to a collaboration between the Earth Institute and Haiti’s government, there’s a registry of every government office accessible online and on mobile devices.
Skill-based Volunteerism by Lawyers in Haiti

Three distinguished lawyers spoke about their experiences with pro-bono work in Haiti at the latest session in the Haiti Dialog Series, run by the Haiti Research and Policy Program at the Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development.
SurTab Tablets and Mobile Phone Technology’s Impact on Development in Haiti

The Haiti Research and Policy Program at the Center on Globalization and Sustainable Development concluded the Fall 2013 Dialogue Series with guest Maarten Boute, CEO of SurTab Haiti, the first Android tablet manufacturing company in Haiti. Boute is the former CEO of Digicel Haiti, a mobile phone network provider currently operating in 31 markets across…