Leading Climate Scientist Maureen E. Raymo Joins C2ES Board

Press Release
June 1, 2022

Contact: Alec Gerlach, GerlachA@c2es.org 

Leading Climate Scientist Maureen E. Raymo Joins C2ES Board

C2ES Welcomes Renowned Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Director

WASHINGTON—The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions is pleased to add the renowned marine geologist and climate scientist Maureen “Mo” Raymo to its Board of Directors. In that capacity, Dr. Raymo will inform and help to steer C2ES’s work with policymakers and business leaders to accelerate the transition to a thriving, just, and resilient net-zero-emissions economy.

“I am delighted and thrilled to join C2ES, one of the country’s leading climate organizations, at such a critical moment in time,” Dr. Raymo said. “Even as the evidence continues to mount of the catastrophic impacts from unchecked climate change, there is reason for hope in the dramatic pace of technological change and in the success of well-designed policies where they have been put in place. The role of C2ES in advancing ambitious and effective policy solutions, and mobilizing broad support for those policies from businesses and other stakeholders, has never been more timely – or more urgent.”

“We are delighted and honored to add a scientist of Dr. Raymo’s stature and intellect to the C2ES Board,” said C2ES Board Chair Theodore Roosevelt IV. “Investors, business leaders, and policymakers all recognize that a deep understanding of climate science is crucial to making informed decisions on how to reduce emissions, manage climate impacts, and plot a course for success in the net-zero transition.”

Dr. Raymo’s work has shed new light on the history and causes of climate change. A member of the National Academy of Sciences, she has more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, including an influential paper—along with William Ruddiman and Philip Froelich—on the geologic formation of the Tibetan Plateau and resulting climatic consequences. Her work has also earned her the recognition of being the first woman to receive the Wollaston Medal, the Geological Society of London’s highest accolade; an honor also granted to Charles Darwin. In 2019, she was also awarded the Maurice Ewing Medal by the American Geophysical Union and the U. S. Navy.

“Dr. Raymo’s groundbreaking scientific work has enriched our collective understanding of the Earth’s distant past – and in doing so, provides insights into the possible futures we face in a changing climate and points the way to potential solutions,” said C2ES President Nat Keohane. “What’s more, in addition to being a pioneering climate scientist, Mo is a talented and visionary leader and institution-builder at Columbia University. Her expertise and breadth of experience will bring enormous benefits to C2ES, helping to guide our work to forge practical and innovative solutions that accelerate climate progress.”

Dr. Maureen E. Raymo is a Co-Founding Dean of the Columbia Climate School and the Director of Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, where she is the G. Unger Vetlesen Professor of Earth and Climate Sciences. From extracting Antarctic sediment cores to exploring the effect of mountain weathering on the climate over geological time, her research improves our understanding of Earth’s natural climate variability and therefore the potential consequences of climate change, including for sea level and ice sheet stability. She is a fellow of the National Academy of Science, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Geophysical Union, The Geological Society of London, and The Explorer’s Club.

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About C2ES: The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to forge practical solutions to climate change. Our mission is to advance strong policy and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. Learn more at www.c2es.org.