Bezaye Tessema (ELP 2013) | Postdoctoral Fellow at the Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences & Visiting Postdoctoral Scholar at the Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Ethiopia

Working in natural ecosystems can be challenging. The issues we face are significant, progress often takes time, and the future can seem uncertain. However, I continue to push forward because I believe we can make a real difference by collaborating and valuing everyone's input.

At Rice University, I work in the Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences Department, as well as the Baker Institute for Public Policy. My focus is on nature-based solutions, carbon markets, and environmental policy. I am dedicated to connecting science and policy to design equitable and sustainable carbon market frameworks, and I am particularly interested in how carbon markets can be used to drive climate action and sustainable development. I aim to make science relevant to everyday life and ensure that climate solutions benefit the communities most affected.

I have come to realize that no single field or individual has all the answers. This understanding has reinforced my belief in the importance of collaboration across different fields, sectors, and cultures. I have seen how much stronger and more effective our solutions become when we respect local knowledge and embrace diverse perspectives. Working together with communities, practitioners, and decision-makers is essential.

What motivates me is meeting people on this journey—farmers striving to restore their land, students eager to learn, and colleagues dedicated to using science for the public good. Their stories and efforts remind me of the importance of this work.

Since joining Rice, I have continued to learn and grow. I have been working to make carbon markets more accessible and relevant to local contexts and communities. I also enjoy mentoring students and engaging in projects that connect research to real-world impact.

This Earth Day, I want to share an important message: everyone has something valuable to offer. Regardless of our backgrounds—whether in science, policy, practice, or local experience—every voice counts. When we come together and genuinely listen to each other, we can create solutions that are affordable, adaptable, scalable and sustainable for everyone.

I remain committed to this cause because I believe a better future is possible, and we all have a role in making it happen.

Recent Publicized work for wider distribution: “Prospects for Carbon Markets in Africa: Ethiopia as a Case Study”

Contacts: ransomg06@yahoo.com, bt31@rice.edu X: @BezayeTessema; LinkedIn; RiceProfile