Rebecca Verity, M.S., M.S.

Rebecca Verity is a senior scientist and practice leader in climate adaptation for GEI’s Western Region, who combines a passion for public service with a strong background in climate science. She has worked at the intersection of California’s ecological and infrastructure sectors for over 20 years; first in habitat conservation and restoration, and for more than a decade in climate adaptation and resilience planning. She is fluent in how a changing climate will disproportionately impact aging infrastructure, vulnerable ecosystems & species, and disadvantaged peoples. She has prepared climate adaptation plans to safeguard cities, counties, and infrastructure against wildfire, drought, extreme heat, sea level rise, and floods. Clients include cities and counties, private utilities, and state and federal agencies in the transportation, water, and resilience sectors.

Rebecca’s professional experience spans the private, public, academic, and non-profit sectors. Concurrent to her consulting career, Ms. Verity serves as a National Climate Leader under the Climate Reality Project, taught Oceanography at UC Berkeley, served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Orinda, and served as a Director on the Boards of both local and international not-for profit organizations. This quadrilateral experience allows her a unique insight into the needs and resources of diverse leaders as they work towards sustainable, resilient communities.

Rebecca has a passion for lifting up voices that are seldom heard. She has led climate adaptation with a significant social equity and justice focus for two major clients, and continuously seeks opportunities to include new voices in adaptation planning. Rebecca is the co-founder of her local tri-city diversity outreach organization, and also co-founded Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs at two local schools.

Rebecca is a skilled communicator, with a particular focus on translating complex ideas into clear, relatable, and actionable stories. She is a highly regarded public speaker on climate topics, an avid writer, and as a Lecturer at UC Berkeley, was consistently ranked by students as among the best teachers they had studied under at the university.

Rebecca was honored to be invited to speak at the 2022 Watershed University virtual forum hosted by USACE and California’s DWR. Her presentation focused on case studies in non-structural flood (and drought) management with a focus on disadvantaged communities. Watch it here.