Marco Possega, CNR-ISAC

I am a Post-Doctoral Fellow at CNR-ISAC working on land–atmosphere interactions, with particular focus on drought persistence and soil-moisture dynamics in climate models. My background includes a PhD in Earth System Physics at the University of Bologna, where I studied heat-related extremes such as heat waves, urban heat islands, and drought propagation. My research combines numerical modeling, climate data analysis, and the development of diagnostics to improve understanding of extreme climate processes.

Role in OptimESM: My main contribution is within Work Package 4, where I evaluate land-surface and soil-moisture processes in post-CMIP6 Earth System Models. I also support Work Package 5 on land-surface tipping points and Work Package 6 on the characterization of drought events in the Mediterranean.

What motivates you about being part of OptimESM? I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of high-resolution Earth System Models, particularly in areas where land–atmosphere feedbacks and soil processes critically influence climate extremes. Working within a large, interdisciplinary team provides a unique environment to advance scientific understanding and collaboratively address some of the most pressing challenges in climate modeling. 

I hope OptimESM can help bridge gaps between observations, theory, and models, especially for extreme events and their feedbacks.

What impact do you hope OptimESM will have, for science or society? I hope OptimESM can help bridge gaps between observations, theory, and models, especially for extreme events and their feedbacks. For society, better models mean better risk assessment and adaptation strategies, ultimately supporting more resilient responses to climate change.