Katharine Hayhoe
Chief Scientist
Texas
Dr. Katharine Hayhoe Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy. © Artie Limmer/Texas Tech University
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Climate Science and Risks, Science Communication, Integrative Scientific Leadership
Biography
Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist whose work bridges climate science, risks, and resilience. As Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy, she directs the organization’s global scientific strategy and leads a global community of more than 1,000 TNC scientists and science staff whose work underpins every aspect of TNC’s mission: from conserving lands and waters to developing scalable, science-based solutions to the biodiversity and climate crises.
Recognized among the TIME100 most influential people and a United Nations Champion of the Earth, Katharine is known worldwide for her ability to make complex science accessible and meaningful, and for connecting climate and nature to people’s values in ways that inspire action.
Dr. Hayhoe’s research focuses on understanding and projecting climate change impacts at regional and local scales, combining high-resolution climate modeling with assessments of vulnerability, adaptation, and resilience. In addition to her role at The Nature Conservancy, she is a Horn Distinguished Professor and Endowed Professor of Public Policy and Public Law at Texas Tech University.
For many years, Dr. Hayhoe served as lead author for the Second, Third, and Fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments and author for the Fifth. Her books including Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World and Downscaling Techniques for High-Resolution Climate Projections: From Global Change to Local Impacts. She was the host of the PBS Digital Series Global Weirding and currently authors the popular newsletter Talking Climate.
Dr. Hayhoe’s recognitions include four honorary doctorates and awards including the AGU Climate Communication Prize and AGU Ambassador Award, the Sierra Club Distinguished Service Award, and the Stephen H. Schneider Climate Communication Award. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Geophysical Union, the American Scientific Affiliation, and the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (honourary).
Named as one of Fortune’s 50 World’s Greatest Leaders and Foreign Policy’s 100 Global Thinkers, Dr. Hayhoe continues to advance solutions for biodiversity, climate, and nature through science, communication, and collaboration. Her work is driven by a commitment to a just and livable future for all.
Recent Articles
A Climate for All of Us
The Nature Conservancy’s new chief scientist, Katharine Hayhoe, shares why she cares about climate change and her fears about who will be hit hardest by its impacts.
2024 Was the Hottest Year on Record—Again
Here is why I’m still optimistic.
4 Ways Climate Change is Making Other Problems Worse
The myth of climate change is that it's a distant issue, affecting faraway places and people. But it's not just making new problems, it's making old problems worse.
Yes, Climate Change is Raising the Risks—and Stakes—of Extreme Wildfires
Extreme wildfires are getting more frequent and severe. Slowing climate change will help.