Renowned climate scientist Balgis Osman-Elasha works extensively in East Africa to provide effective methods to combat climate change induced droughts, reports Ismail Kushkush for Al Jazeera. The Horn of Africa has been hampered by years of drought, which Ms. Osman-Elasha and others have linked to climate change. Rainfall is inconsistent and unpredictable, which has dire impact on regions’ agricultural production. An increase in conflict has also plagued the region, another result of the drought, and Ms. Osman-Elasha has worked tirelessly to find solutions.

As one of very few female climate scientists in Africa, Ms. Osman-Elasha has led the field in innovation and influence, working with communities to make day-to-day improvements that help combat climate change’s influence. Her work has focused on long-term solutions, and, in 2007, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work. Ms. Osman-Elasha has also inspired a generation of women to enter the climate science field in East Africa, making a difference in the communities hit hardest by climate change.