January 6, 2025
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Biden awards nation’s highest science honors to three climate experts
Richard Alley, Lawrence Edwards and David Tillman were among 20 recipients of the National Medal of Science or the National Medal of Innovation last week.
The Rhône Glacier, the source of the river of the same name, is located in the Swiss Alps. Like many other alpine glaciers around the world, it has retreated significantly over the past 150 years as global temperatures have risen.
GmbH & Co. KG/Alamy Stock Photo
Climate Wire | The White House on Friday honored more than 20 scientists and innovators with what will be the Biden administration’s final National Medal of Science and National Medal of Innovation.
The award recognized researchers ranging from astrophysicists to oncologists as well as pharmaceutical companies who developed mRNA vaccines for COVID-19. Three climate and environmental scientists were included in the group.
Pennsylvania State University geoscientist Richard Alley has been awarded the National Medal of Science for his decades of research on the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, sea level rise, and other climate impacts.
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“With an extended tour of some of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth, Richard Alley will significantly raise climate predictions, add new urgency to tackling the climate crisis and move the world towards a sustainable future.” ” said Kei Koizumi, deputy director of the center. The award was announced by the White House Office of Science, Society, and Policy Director for Science, Society, and Policy.
R. Lawrence Edwards, a climate scientist at the University of Minnesota, was also recognized. Edwards received the National Medal of Science for his work reconstructing Earth’s climate history dating back to prehistoric times.
“Lawrence Edward’s innovative research methods have revealed the rate, scale, drivers, and impact on human civilization of climate change, making him one of the most prominent geoscientists of our time.” Mr. Koizumi stated.
G. David Tillman, an ecologist at the University of Minnesota, is also a national science expert for research on biodiversity and conservation, including how the diversity of life on Earth strengthens ecosystems against environmental disturbances such as climate change. won a medal.
“David Tillman’s research shows that the incredible diversity of life on Earth is essential to the productive ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and more that feed and power the world. At the same time, it proves that conservation is a strategic and moral mission,” Koizumi said.
In total, the White House awarded 14 National Medals of Science and 11 National Medals of Innovation.
“This year’s honorees represent a simple truth that I have always believed: America can be defined by one word: possibility,” Biden said at Friday’s ceremony. “That’s who we are: a nation of possibilities.”
Reprinted from E&E News Published with permission of POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2025. E&E News provides news that matters to energy and environment professionals.
