Gabriela (Gaby) Alberola is a Post-doctoral Researcher in the Department of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam where she is part of the ClimateFiGS lab. Gaby leverages her interdisciplinary background in biology, environmental policy, and political science, combined with her roots in activism, to address pressing environmental challenges. Born and raised in Panama City, Panama, her work is driven by a deep commitment to social and environmental justice.

Gaby’s research focuses on the subnational distribution of climate change funding in the Global South, analyzing its effectiveness, equity, and transparency. Her broader work delves into international environmental politics, political economy, and comparative politics, including resilience building, violence against environmental activists, and gender disparities in access to climate finance.

Gaby holds a PhD in Environmental Science and Management and an MA in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, an MS in Watershed Science and Policy from California State University, Monterey Bay, and a BS in Environmental Biology from the Universidad de Panamá.

Media appearances

Centre for Humanitarian Action on “Climate Finance – What’s In it for Humanitarians?” Recorded session

Research methods

• Mixed-methods
• Spatial analysis
• Econometric modeling
• Policy analysis
• Semi-structured interviews
• Archival research and document analysis

Current research projects

• Uncovering the Exposure Gap: Rethinking Vulnerability Targeting in Climate Change Adaptation Funding
• Political Biases in the Allocation of International Funds for Climate Change Adaptation
• The Impact of International Climate Finance on Green Transition Ambitions
• Impact of gender substantive representation on gendered-climate outcomes
• Co-designing the co-design: participative research in the Global South
• Public attitudes towards the use of violence against activists in environmental conflicts

Climate and Environmental Conflicts in the Global South – Bachelor's Thesis Course