Samantha Page

Senior Climate Resiliency Specialist and Lead (International) at the Climate Risk Institute
 

I am a Senior Climate Resiliency Specialist and Lead, International at the Climate Risk Institute, where I lead and deliver a portfolio of Canadian and international climate adaptation projects. My work focuses on climate risk assessment, resilient infrastructure, and climate finance, with an emphasis on translating technical climate knowledge into real-world action. A core part of my role involves designing and securing high-impact projects by turning complex climate science into fundable, implementable solutions. This includes developing climate finance strategies, advancing innovative mechanisms such as adaptation benefits frameworks, and creating national and international capacity-building programs. I work closely with governments, development banks, and communities to build partnerships, align priorities, and unlock investment in climate adaptation. I also design and deliver training and capacity-building initiatives for practitioners, helping bridge the gap between technical knowledge and practical application so that climate considerations are meaningfully integrated into decision-making processes.

1. What advice do you have for early career researchers looking to establish themselves in the field of geography?​

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One of the biggest lessons from my career is that success in geography—particularly in applied fields like climate adaptation—relies heavily on skills beyond technical knowledge. Much of my​

day-to-day work involves project management, facilitation, partnership building, budgeting, communication, and strategic thinking. These “applied skills” are critical and often underemphasized early on. I would also encourage early career researchers to actively reach out to people working in roles they’re curious about. A simple virtual coffee chat can open doors, provide clarity, and build meaningful connections. It’s important not to wait until you feel like an expert. Get involved in real projects early, even in small ways—experience is often the most valuable asset you can build. At the same time, learning how to translate research into clear, actionable insights for decision-makers is essential. Finally, focus on progress over perfection. The work we do is often iterative, and being able to move ideas forward, test them, and refine them over time is far more valuable than waiting for something to be perfect.

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2. What skills do you wish you learned during your education that would have helped you in the job market today? 

Looking back, I wish I had developed stronger project management skills earlier. The vast majority of my career has been project-based, yet many graduates enter the workforce with strong technical knowledge but limited experience in managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables.

Facilitation and collaboration are also critical skills. Geography is fundamentally about the relationship between people and place, and meaningful work in this field requires the ability to bring diverse groups together, navigate different perspectives, and co-create solutions.

One thing that made a significant difference for me was participating in a co-op internship. Gaining practical experience before graduating helped bridge the gap between academic learning and professional work, and I would strongly recommend this path to others.

3. What motivated you to pursue a career in geography?

My interest in geography started early. I grew up spending a lot of time in nature and felt a strong desire to protect the natural world. When I was eight years old, I even wrote a letter to McDonald’s asking why they were clear-cutting the rainforest for beef grazing.

I initially pursued environmental engineering at McGill, thinking that solving environmental problems through technical solutions would be the right path for me. However, I quickly realized that it wasn’t the right fit. Geography emerged as a discipline that allowed me to better understand the complex interactions between environmental and human systems, while also offering the flexibility to work across disciplines and focus on real-world impact.

One of the things I value most about geography is its versatility. My classmates have gone on to careers in transportation planning, emergency management, policy, finance, urban planning, education, law, and more. It’s a field that opens doors to a wide range of meaningful and impactful career paths.

4. Could you share a significant moment or project from your early career that had a lasting impact on your research?

Early in my career, I worked as a Coastal Coordinator with the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax, where I supported efforts to advance coastal protection policy across Nova Scotia. At the time, I wasn’t confident in my ability to influence policy change.

However, through that work—and with the support of strong mentors—I saw the provincial government adopt a platform that included establishing the Nova Scotia Coastal Protection Act. That experience was a turning point for me. It reinforced that even early in your career, you can have a meaningful impact, and that your contributions can help shape real policy outcomes.

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5. What advice do you have for early career researchers navigating the challenges of academia and research? 

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Academia plays an important role, but it’s not the only pathway. There are many opportunities to apply research in practical, on-the-ground contexts. I think it’s important to reflect early on whether you want to stay in academia, transition into applied work, or find a way to bridge both.

Seeking out mentors who are doing the kind of work you aspire to—not just publishing in your field—is incredibly valuable. They can provide insight into different career pathways and help you navigate decisions along the way.

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6. Can you share examples of how your research findings have been applied in real-world situations or policy-making?

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Throughout my career, I’ve focused on translating research into practical applications. This has included leading the development of climate finance strategies that support governments in accessing and deploying adaptation funding, such as in Somalia.

At the municipal level, I’ve supported the integration of climate resilience into infrastructure planning and capital investment decisions, including with the Halifax Regional Municipality. I’ve also designed and delivered training programs for infrastructure professionals across Canada, helping to embed climate risk considerations into engineering and planning practices.

In addition, I’ve contributed to national and regional policy processes, including climate risk assessments and adaptation frameworks in northern and coastal regions, helping ensure that research informs decision-making at multiple scales.

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7. Are there specific conferences, journals, or resources you recommend for staying updated with the latest trends and research in geography?

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From a climate change perspective, I find a mix of research and practitioner-focused resources to be most valuable. The Canadian Climate Institute’s Climate Brief provides accessible, research-driven insights on climate impacts in Canada.

Conferences such as Adaptation Canada (happening Fall 2026!) and forums like ICLEI’s Livable Cities Forum are excellent for connecting with practitioners and staying current on emerging practices. Events hosted by the Resilient Cities Network are also valuable for learning from global experiences and innovations.

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8. From your perspective, what do you think the future holds for the field of geography, especially concerning emerging technologies and methodologies? 

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Advances in geospatial data, such as more accessible digital elevation and surface models, are improving our ability to understand risk and make informed decisions. Emerging technologies, including AI, will continue to enhance how we analyze and apply this data.

At the same time, there is significant growth in climate finance, particularly in the adaptation space. The need for adaptation far exceeds current funding levels, and geographers will play a key role in designing solutions that are not only technically sound, but also investable. Bridging science, policy, and finance will be critical to closing this gap and advancing meaningful climate action.