Reflecting on My Transformative Internship Experience in Data Mining and Climate Impact in 2025, by Clea Wagner

This year, I had the chance to dive deep into the complex relationship between climate change and the economy in Latin America. As a research intern at FUXIA by BRI, I worked on data mining projects focused on the Southern Cone, exploring how shifting weather patterns and environmental changes are reshaping economic activities. This experience opened my eyes to the power of data in understanding real-world problems and guiding decisions that can help communities adapt and thrive. My project was funded by Universia Foundation & Banco Santander to assist rural communities across LATAM while connecting local communities with micro-financing opportunities.

Clea Wagner, a FUXIA intern analyzing climate and economic data for Latin America

Understanding the Economic Impact of Climate Change in Latin America

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is actively transforming economies across the Southern Cone countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. These changes affect key sectors including agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and finance. For example:

• Agriculture: Altered rainfall patterns and rising temperatures disrupt crop yields, threatening food security and farmers’ livelihoods.

• Energy: Hydroelectric power generation faces risks due to changing river flows, pushing the need for diversified energy sources.

• Infrastructure: Increased frequency of extreme weather events damages roads, bridges, and urban systems, raising repair costs.

• Financial Systems: Economic instability from climate shocks affects investment and insurance markets, requiring new risk assessment models.

  
  

By mining large datasets from government reports, satellite imagery, and economic records, I helped identify trends that reveal how these sectors are evolving. This data-driven approach provides a clearer picture of vulnerabilities and opportunities for adaptation.

The Role of Data Mining in Climate Research

Data mining involves extracting meaningful patterns from large datasets. In my internship, this meant using statistical tools and machine learning algorithms to analyze complex climate and economic data. Some key tasks included:

• Cleaning and organizing raw data from diverse sources to ensure accuracy.

• Identifying correlations between climate variables (like temperature and rainfall) and economic indicators (such as crop production and energy output).

• Building predictive models to forecast potential economic impacts under different climate scenarios.

• Visualizing data through charts and maps to communicate findings effectively.

  
  

This hands-on experience showed me how data mining can turn abstract numbers into actionable knowledge. For instance, by spotting early signs of drought impact on agriculture, governments and businesses can plan better water management and support programs.

Collaboration and Learning in a Real-World Setting

One of the most valuable parts of my internship was working alongside experts from different fields. Climate change is a multifaceted problem that requires input from economists, environmental scientists, policymakers, and local communities. Through team meetings and workshops, I learned to:

• Translate technical data insights into language accessible to non-specialists.

• Appreciate diverse perspectives on how climate impacts are experienced on the ground.

• Develop solutions that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

  
  

This collaborative environment strengthened my communication skills and deepened my understanding of social entrepreneurship, which I study as part of my Bachelor of Science degree. It also reinforced the importance of working together to address complex challenges.

Personal Growth and Professional Development

Beyond technical skills, this internship helped me grow in several ways:

• Critical Thinking: Evaluating data quality and questioning assumptions became second nature.

• Problem-Solving: Tackling real-world issues requires creativity and persistence.

• Time Management: Balancing multiple projects and deadlines improved my organizational abilities.

• Networking: Building relationships with mentors and peers opened doors for future opportunities.

  
  

These experiences have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development initiatives. I feel more confident in my ability to use data for social impact and am eager to continue learning.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

Reflecting on this year, I am grateful for the chance to contribute to important research that connects climate science with economic realities. The insights gained from data mining projects at FUXIA by BRI have shown me how evidence-based strategies can help Latin America adapt to climate change and build resilience.

As I move forward, I plan to apply these lessons in my ongoing work with the Universia Foundation, where I support projects that bridge data insights with practical solutions. My goal is to keep growing as a researcher and social entrepreneur, helping communities navigate the challenges of a changing world.

If you are interested in climate impact, data science, or social entrepreneurship, I encourage you to seek out opportunities that combine these fields. Real change comes from understanding problems deeply and working collaboratively to find solutions.

Clea Wagner, B.Sc., centered in Social Entrepreneurship