Stanford climate scientist brings research to Congress

As the U.S. Congress moves to prioritize climate change-related issues, unbiased scientific insight is in high demand. The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space & Technology recently invited Stanford climate scientist Noah Diffenbaugh to provide some of that insight for a hearing titled “The Science Behind Impacts of the Climate Crisis.” Among other jurisdictions, the committee makes decisions on research and development efforts at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

During the March 12 hearing, Diffenbaugh focused on the need to accelerate mitigation and adaptation actions and ensure a cohesive research agenda that integrates mitigation and adaptation in support of a climate-resilient nation.

Intended as educational for committee members, some of them new to the committee, the hearing featured four experts, including Diffenbaugh, who is the Kara J. Foundation Professor of Earth System Science in Stanford’s School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences (Stanford Earth), and the Kimmelman Family Senior Fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.

The Woods policy and engagement team is available to assist Stanford researchers interested in connecting with federal or state policymakers.