We are pleased to announce a School Seminar by Professor Richie Robertson on the topic of: Living with Restless Volcanoes: Reflections from Two Eastern Caribbean Volcanic Crises.
Abstract:
Volcanic crises demand far more from scientists than the interpretation of complex data. They require judgement under uncertainty, clear communication of risk, and support for decision-making as events unfold rapidly and often unpredictably. In this presentation, I reflect on two volcanic crises in the Eastern Caribbean that I experienced directly as a member of scientific monitoring teams: the ongoing eruption of the Soufrière Hills Volcano on Montserrat, and the 2020–2021 eruption of La Soufrière on St Vincent.
By presenting these eruptions as narrative case studies, I explore how scientific understanding, preparedness, and public engagement have evolved over time, while also confronting the persistent constraints imposed by social, institutional, and operational realities. Comparing the two events reveals both genuine progress and enduring challenges, particularly in small island settings where vulnerability and limited resources amplify risk. I conclude by reflecting on storytelling as a way to share experience, make sense of crisis, and prepare scientists for volcanic emergencies where human factors matter as much as science.
Join the event online: