Palau International Coral Reef Center Welcomes Climate Change Researcher Tim Linsell

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is pleased to welcome Tim Linsell as their Climate Change Researcher, where he will lead work on the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA) for Palau.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Tim brings a wealth of international experience in climate policy, sustainability research, and marine operations. Most recently, he worked as a Climate Resilience Specialist at HeronBridge Consulting in British Columbia, Canada, coordinating research and engagement activities on climate adaptation and resilience planning. He also served as a Sustainability Scholar at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Sustainability Hub, where he supported an inner-city climate justice initiative. Tim holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Global Affairs from UBC, where he specialized in climate policy and governance. 

Before moving into climate policy, Tim spent several years at sea. He worked as a Skipper and Arctic Expedition Leader for Boreal Yachting in Norway and the Svalbard archipelago, and as Captain and Dive Instructor aboard the sailing vessel S/Y Argo for Sea|mester, leading 90-day undergraduate programs in marine science. It was during a 2021 voyage with Sea|mester that Tim first sailed to Palau — an experience that left a lasting impression.

“Sailing to Palau played a key role in my decision to pursue graduate study,” Tim shared. “Being in a place that at once stands as such an example for environmental stewardship, but that also faces major challenges due to a changing climate was really inspiring. This job opportunity and the chance to return to Palau was a huge full-circle moment.”

At PICRC, Tim will lead an update to Palau’s PIRCA report, which details indicators relating to how climate is changing in Palau, as well as the impacts that these changes are expected to have on Palau. His work will combine data-driven research with local engagement through a series of workshops that aim to identify key values and assets most at risk from climate impacts.

Beyond his professional work, Tim is an avid sailor, diver, surfer, trail runner, and cyclist — pursuits that reflect his passion for the ocean and the outdoors.

PICRC is thrilled to welcome Tim to the team and looks forward to the contributions his diverse experience will bring to the Center’s climate research and engagement efforts.