Using both field data and modelling approaches, I investigate when and where these indicators can be quantified and when their predictions in terms of ecosystem degradation are reliable, with a current focus on arid ecosystems.ДЄrid and semi-arid ecosystems, which cover about 40% of the EarthвЂ™s terrestrial surface, are expected to be among the ecosystems most sensitive to environmental changes. In addition, for terrestrial ecosystems, it has been hypothesized that vegetation patchiness could be used as a signature of imminent transitions in ecosystems. Generic indicators, that can be quantified on the temporal and spatial dynamics of ecosystems, have been identified in the literature. Are there early warning signs that an ecosystem is loosing resilience?

Shifts are often responsible for large, long-lasting changes and can result in dramatic ecological and economic consequences. She is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English, and holds a Masters in Public Policy from Tufts University and a BA/BS in Economics and Business Finance from the University of Massachusetts.With the current global change, it is becoming increasingly important for us to be able to anticipate shifts in ecological communities. Sonia has worked in over 40 countries around the globe, and assumed her current role in July 2013, having previously been Director of Research & Consulting at Pyramid Research. Sonia is an independent Board Director with KaiOS Technologies and an affiliate at the Harvard Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society. She also serves/ed as a member and expert in a number of Committees, including DFIDвЂ™s Digital Access Panel for Africa, the ITU-UN Women EQUALS Partnership, The World Economic ForumвЂ™s Future of the Internet Initiative, the Broadband Commission Working Group on the Gender Digital Divide, the Advisory Committee on International Communications and Information Policy (ACICIP) Subcommittee of the US State Department on ICT4D, the IEEE Connectivity Coalition Steering Committee, and the EU-AU Digital Economy Task Force. Sonia is an avid advocate for gender equality in development, and has worked extensively to promote gender analysis and awareness in the ICT planning and policy process, as well as an understanding of the importance of digital inclusion for development.ДЄs a thought leader and expert, Sonia was recognized by apolitico as as one of the WorldвЂ™s 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government in 2019, and is a frequent speaker at international, regional and national events, including at the World Economic Forum, Stockholm Internet Forum, Transform Africa, Mobile World Congress, Internet Governance Forums, the Latin American Telecommunications Congress, several ITU and EU-Commission events, among others. SoniaвЂ™s work has included ICT policy and regulatory advice and analysis, strategic industry planning, national ICT/broadband policy development, and the creation of new policy and regulatory frameworks to address issues around competition, cost-based pricing, spectrum management, infrastructure development and universal access strategy. As a policy advisor, Sonia has led numerous digital policy and development projects in several countries and with international organizations, such as the World Bank, UNDP, UN Women, and for private sector companies, from mobile operators to industry associations. An expert in the confluence of development and communications policy, Sonia has over 25 years of diverse international experience in a career spanning both the private and not-for-profit sectors.