Color portrait of a middle-aged man with thinning hair, glasses, and a friendly expression. He is dressed casually in a plaid shirt over a dark undershirt, with eyeglass retainers hanging from his frames. His relaxed smile and approachable demeanor convey warmth and openness.
Color portrait of a middle-aged man with thinning hair, glasses, and a friendly expression. He is dressed casually in a plaid shirt over a dark undershirt, with eyeglass retainers hanging from his frames. His relaxed smile and approachable demeanor convey warmth and openness.

Stephen H. Schneider

Historical

Historical

Feb 11, 1945

-

Jul 19, 2010

Color portrait of a middle-aged man with thinning hair, glasses, and a friendly expression. He is dressed casually in a plaid shirt over a dark undershirt, with eyeglass retainers hanging from his frames. His relaxed smile and approachable demeanor convey warmth and openness.

Stephen H. Schneider

Historical

Historical

Feb 11, 1945

-

Jul 19, 2010

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Stephen H. Schneider was one of the leading climate scientists of the last forty years. He was a professor at Stanford University, where he was the Melvin and Joan Lane Professor for Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies. Schneider was always passionate about the existence of climate change as a major problem that needed to be solved. His work was dedicated to scientific approaches to climate change, the consequences of human activity on the environment and the economy, and realistic policies to combat global warming.

Schneider was born in New York City and obtained his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and plasma physics from Columbia University in 1971. He then became a postdoctoral fellow at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, where he started his work on climate models, focusing on the effects of greenhouse gasses and aerosols on climate systems. His initial works, especially on excellent aerosols and warm carbon dioxide, have emphasized the complexity of climate systems and the long-term issues with climate change driven by humanity.

Schneider was one of the leading climatologists in the world. He has participated in every IPCC assessment report since its establishment in 1988, and he has been a Coordinating Lead Author for several chapters of these reports. He played a crucial role in formulating policies by the IPCC in the field of climate change. He and other IPCC contributors were awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, and former Vice President Al Gore, for their work educating people about climate change.

Besides being a scientist, Schneider was also an eloquent speaker and an activist for climate change. He was a regular on TV, documentaries, and public speaking, where he did a great job translating complex scientific concepts to the general public. His books, such as The Genesis Strategy and Science as a Contact Sport, provided simple explanations of climate science and politics. He was also the founding editor of the interdisciplinary journal Climatic Change, which was to play an essential role in the debate on climate science and policy.

Schneider was not only a researcher and advocate but also a teacher. He supervised many graduate students and young scientists, creating a new generation of climate researchers who followed his path. While teaching at Stanford University, he taught environmental science and policy courses. He was famous for encouraging students to think critically and apply an interdisciplinary approach to solving various environmental issues.

Many awards and honors marked Schneider's career. In 1992, he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship for his capacity to bring climate research into the public domain. He was also a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and received many international honors for his environmental science and policy work. His memory will forever be with all the scientists, policymakers, and advocates still fighting the climate change that he played a significant role in exposing.

Stephen Schneider died in 2010, but he is remembered as one of the most influential climate scientists of the modern age. His work remains relevant in policy debates and scientific literature on climate change, the need for which is evident given that it is one of the biggest problems confronting societies in the contemporary world.

Quotes

"We must strive to be both effective and honest in conveying the urgency of climate change."

"The planet's climate system is an angry beast, and we are poking it with sticks."

"Science doesn't just describe the world; it helps us manage risk in an uncertain future."

"Climate change isn't just a future threat; it's happening now, and we must act."

"There are no guarantees in climate forecasting, but the risks of inaction are clear."

"As scientists, we are bound to the truth, but we are also citizens who must engage in public debate."

"Effective policy must be informed by the best available science, but also consider economic and social factors."

"We can no longer afford to debate whether climate change is happening. The debate must be about what we do next."

"Risk management is not about eliminating uncertainty but about preparing for the worst while hoping for the best."

"The costs of inaction will far exceed the costs of taking proactive steps to mitigate climate change."

"Adaptation is important, but it must go hand-in-hand with aggressive mitigation efforts."

"We are running out of time to prevent the worst impacts of climate change."

"The science is clear, and the time for debate is over. Now we must act."

"Climate policy is about more than just science; it's about justice, equity, and our future."

"Every ton of CO2 we prevent from entering the atmosphere matters."

FAQ

Who was Stephen H. Schneider?

Dr. Stephen H. Schneider was a climatologist who was involved in climate change science and policy, the IPCC, and global warming advocacy.

What was the impact of Stephen H. Schneider on the field of climate science?

Schneider provided seminal input to climate models, particularly greenhouse gasses and aerosols. He was a lead author for several IPCC reports and was heavily involved in linking scientific work with policy discourse.

What did Stephen H. Schneider do for the IPCC?

Schneider was an active participant in the IPCC from its formation in 1988 and a Coordinating Lead Author for several chapters in various reports that influenced climate policy globally.

What awards did Stephen H. Schneider get?

Schneider was awarded many accolades, such as the MacArthur Fellowship in 1992, the Edward T. Law Roe Award from the Society for Conservation Biology, and the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to the IPCC and Al Gore.

Which books did Stephen H. Schneider contribute to?

Schneider wrote several other books on climate change, including The Genesis Strategy, Laboratory Earth, and Science as a Contact Sport.

What was Schneider's position at Stanford University?

Schneider supported more climate policy and ambitious efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed the importance of risk management and cooperation in facing global warming problems.

What did Stephen H. Schneider think about climate policy?

Schneider supported more climate policy and ambitious efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed the importance of risk management and cooperation in facing global warming problems.

What did Stephen H. Schneider do to help the public understand climate change?

Schneider was an effective communicator who frequently spoke to media outlets, documentaries, and public lectures. He also tried to explain climate change science to the common person.

What can be said about Schneider's contribution to the study of climate?

Schneider's contribution lies in his research, his fight for climate policy, and his work as a teacher and a guide. His work is relevant to the study of climate change science and policy.

How did Stephen H. Schneider die?

Stephen H. Schneider died of a heart attack in 2010 on his way to a scientific conference in Sweden.

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Stephen H. Schneider was one of the leading climate scientists of the last forty years. He was a professor at Stanford University, where he was the Melvin and Joan Lane Professor for Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies. Schneider was always passionate about the existence of climate change as a major problem that needed to be solved. His work was dedicated to scientific approaches to climate change, the consequences of human activity on the environment and the economy, and realistic policies to combat global warming.

Schneider was born in New York City and obtained his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and plasma physics from Columbia University in 1971. He then became a postdoctoral fellow at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, where he started his work on climate models, focusing on the effects of greenhouse gasses and aerosols on climate systems. His initial works, especially on excellent aerosols and warm carbon dioxide, have emphasized the complexity of climate systems and the long-term issues with climate change driven by humanity.

Schneider was one of the leading climatologists in the world. He has participated in every IPCC assessment report since its establishment in 1988, and he has been a Coordinating Lead Author for several chapters of these reports. He played a crucial role in formulating policies by the IPCC in the field of climate change. He and other IPCC contributors were awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, and former Vice President Al Gore, for their work educating people about climate change.

Besides being a scientist, Schneider was also an eloquent speaker and an activist for climate change. He was a regular on TV, documentaries, and public speaking, where he did a great job translating complex scientific concepts to the general public. His books, such as The Genesis Strategy and Science as a Contact Sport, provided simple explanations of climate science and politics. He was also the founding editor of the interdisciplinary journal Climatic Change, which was to play an essential role in the debate on climate science and policy.

Schneider was not only a researcher and advocate but also a teacher. He supervised many graduate students and young scientists, creating a new generation of climate researchers who followed his path. While teaching at Stanford University, he taught environmental science and policy courses. He was famous for encouraging students to think critically and apply an interdisciplinary approach to solving various environmental issues.

Many awards and honors marked Schneider's career. In 1992, he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship for his capacity to bring climate research into the public domain. He was also a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and received many international honors for his environmental science and policy work. His memory will forever be with all the scientists, policymakers, and advocates still fighting the climate change that he played a significant role in exposing.

Stephen Schneider died in 2010, but he is remembered as one of the most influential climate scientists of the modern age. His work remains relevant in policy debates and scientific literature on climate change, the need for which is evident given that it is one of the biggest problems confronting societies in the contemporary world.

Quotes

"We must strive to be both effective and honest in conveying the urgency of climate change."

"The planet's climate system is an angry beast, and we are poking it with sticks."

"Science doesn't just describe the world; it helps us manage risk in an uncertain future."

"Climate change isn't just a future threat; it's happening now, and we must act."

"There are no guarantees in climate forecasting, but the risks of inaction are clear."

"As scientists, we are bound to the truth, but we are also citizens who must engage in public debate."

"Effective policy must be informed by the best available science, but also consider economic and social factors."

"We can no longer afford to debate whether climate change is happening. The debate must be about what we do next."

"Risk management is not about eliminating uncertainty but about preparing for the worst while hoping for the best."

"The costs of inaction will far exceed the costs of taking proactive steps to mitigate climate change."

"Adaptation is important, but it must go hand-in-hand with aggressive mitigation efforts."

"We are running out of time to prevent the worst impacts of climate change."

"The science is clear, and the time for debate is over. Now we must act."

"Climate policy is about more than just science; it's about justice, equity, and our future."

"Every ton of CO2 we prevent from entering the atmosphere matters."

FAQ

Who was Stephen H. Schneider?

Dr. Stephen H. Schneider was a climatologist who was involved in climate change science and policy, the IPCC, and global warming advocacy.

What was the impact of Stephen H. Schneider on the field of climate science?

Schneider provided seminal input to climate models, particularly greenhouse gasses and aerosols. He was a lead author for several IPCC reports and was heavily involved in linking scientific work with policy discourse.

What did Stephen H. Schneider do for the IPCC?

Schneider was an active participant in the IPCC from its formation in 1988 and a Coordinating Lead Author for several chapters in various reports that influenced climate policy globally.

What awards did Stephen H. Schneider get?

Schneider was awarded many accolades, such as the MacArthur Fellowship in 1992, the Edward T. Law Roe Award from the Society for Conservation Biology, and the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to the IPCC and Al Gore.

Which books did Stephen H. Schneider contribute to?

Schneider wrote several other books on climate change, including The Genesis Strategy, Laboratory Earth, and Science as a Contact Sport.

What was Schneider's position at Stanford University?

Schneider supported more climate policy and ambitious efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed the importance of risk management and cooperation in facing global warming problems.

What did Stephen H. Schneider think about climate policy?

Schneider supported more climate policy and ambitious efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed the importance of risk management and cooperation in facing global warming problems.

What did Stephen H. Schneider do to help the public understand climate change?

Schneider was an effective communicator who frequently spoke to media outlets, documentaries, and public lectures. He also tried to explain climate change science to the common person.

What can be said about Schneider's contribution to the study of climate?

Schneider's contribution lies in his research, his fight for climate policy, and his work as a teacher and a guide. His work is relevant to the study of climate change science and policy.

How did Stephen H. Schneider die?

Stephen H. Schneider died of a heart attack in 2010 on his way to a scientific conference in Sweden.

Biography

FAQ

Quotes

Biography

Stephen H. Schneider was one of the leading climate scientists of the last forty years. He was a professor at Stanford University, where he was the Melvin and Joan Lane Professor for Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies. Schneider was always passionate about the existence of climate change as a major problem that needed to be solved. His work was dedicated to scientific approaches to climate change, the consequences of human activity on the environment and the economy, and realistic policies to combat global warming.

Schneider was born in New York City and obtained his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and plasma physics from Columbia University in 1971. He then became a postdoctoral fellow at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, where he started his work on climate models, focusing on the effects of greenhouse gasses and aerosols on climate systems. His initial works, especially on excellent aerosols and warm carbon dioxide, have emphasized the complexity of climate systems and the long-term issues with climate change driven by humanity.

Schneider was one of the leading climatologists in the world. He has participated in every IPCC assessment report since its establishment in 1988, and he has been a Coordinating Lead Author for several chapters of these reports. He played a crucial role in formulating policies by the IPCC in the field of climate change. He and other IPCC contributors were awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, and former Vice President Al Gore, for their work educating people about climate change.

Besides being a scientist, Schneider was also an eloquent speaker and an activist for climate change. He was a regular on TV, documentaries, and public speaking, where he did a great job translating complex scientific concepts to the general public. His books, such as The Genesis Strategy and Science as a Contact Sport, provided simple explanations of climate science and politics. He was also the founding editor of the interdisciplinary journal Climatic Change, which was to play an essential role in the debate on climate science and policy.

Schneider was not only a researcher and advocate but also a teacher. He supervised many graduate students and young scientists, creating a new generation of climate researchers who followed his path. While teaching at Stanford University, he taught environmental science and policy courses. He was famous for encouraging students to think critically and apply an interdisciplinary approach to solving various environmental issues.

Many awards and honors marked Schneider's career. In 1992, he was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship for his capacity to bring climate research into the public domain. He was also a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and received many international honors for his environmental science and policy work. His memory will forever be with all the scientists, policymakers, and advocates still fighting the climate change that he played a significant role in exposing.

Stephen Schneider died in 2010, but he is remembered as one of the most influential climate scientists of the modern age. His work remains relevant in policy debates and scientific literature on climate change, the need for which is evident given that it is one of the biggest problems confronting societies in the contemporary world.

Quotes

"We must strive to be both effective and honest in conveying the urgency of climate change."

"The planet's climate system is an angry beast, and we are poking it with sticks."

"Science doesn't just describe the world; it helps us manage risk in an uncertain future."

"Climate change isn't just a future threat; it's happening now, and we must act."

"There are no guarantees in climate forecasting, but the risks of inaction are clear."

"As scientists, we are bound to the truth, but we are also citizens who must engage in public debate."

"Effective policy must be informed by the best available science, but also consider economic and social factors."

"We can no longer afford to debate whether climate change is happening. The debate must be about what we do next."

"Risk management is not about eliminating uncertainty but about preparing for the worst while hoping for the best."

"The costs of inaction will far exceed the costs of taking proactive steps to mitigate climate change."

"Adaptation is important, but it must go hand-in-hand with aggressive mitigation efforts."

"We are running out of time to prevent the worst impacts of climate change."

"The science is clear, and the time for debate is over. Now we must act."

"Climate policy is about more than just science; it's about justice, equity, and our future."

"Every ton of CO2 we prevent from entering the atmosphere matters."

FAQ

Who was Stephen H. Schneider?

Dr. Stephen H. Schneider was a climatologist who was involved in climate change science and policy, the IPCC, and global warming advocacy.

What was the impact of Stephen H. Schneider on the field of climate science?

Schneider provided seminal input to climate models, particularly greenhouse gasses and aerosols. He was a lead author for several IPCC reports and was heavily involved in linking scientific work with policy discourse.

What did Stephen H. Schneider do for the IPCC?

Schneider was an active participant in the IPCC from its formation in 1988 and a Coordinating Lead Author for several chapters in various reports that influenced climate policy globally.

What awards did Stephen H. Schneider get?

Schneider was awarded many accolades, such as the MacArthur Fellowship in 1992, the Edward T. Law Roe Award from the Society for Conservation Biology, and the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to the IPCC and Al Gore.

Which books did Stephen H. Schneider contribute to?

Schneider wrote several other books on climate change, including The Genesis Strategy, Laboratory Earth, and Science as a Contact Sport.

What was Schneider's position at Stanford University?

Schneider supported more climate policy and ambitious efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed the importance of risk management and cooperation in facing global warming problems.

What did Stephen H. Schneider think about climate policy?

Schneider supported more climate policy and ambitious efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed the importance of risk management and cooperation in facing global warming problems.

What did Stephen H. Schneider do to help the public understand climate change?

Schneider was an effective communicator who frequently spoke to media outlets, documentaries, and public lectures. He also tried to explain climate change science to the common person.

What can be said about Schneider's contribution to the study of climate?

Schneider's contribution lies in his research, his fight for climate policy, and his work as a teacher and a guide. His work is relevant to the study of climate change science and policy.

How did Stephen H. Schneider die?

Stephen H. Schneider died of a heart attack in 2010 on his way to a scientific conference in Sweden.

Life and achievements

Early life

Stephen H. Schneider was born in New York City on February 11, 1945. Born into a Jewish family, Schneider was fascinated with science and environmental problems. He completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. This academic interest and his passion for solving real-life challenges saw him further his education at Columbia, where he received a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Plasma Physics in 1971.

Schneider became concerned with the environment at the end of the 1960s when the world began to express concern over pollution and environmental degradation. He was especially interested in the new discipline of climatology and the effects of human activities on the Earth's climate. This interest led him to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship. Schneider also started his pioneering work on climate modeling during this period, emphasizing the impacts of greenhouse gases and aerosols on climate.

At NASA, Schneider worked with other famous scientists. In his studies of the possible cooling influence of aerosols, together with the warming influence of greenhouse gases, he became one of the top climate scientists. In his early work, he demonstrated how he could use various sciences, including physics and environmental science, to analyze various climates. His work at NASA set him up for his entire career in studying and combating climate change.

Legacy

A lot can be said about Stephen Schneider's contributions to the field of climate science. He played a significant role in establishing the current climate change science, primarily through the IPCC, and his efforts in fostering the interdisciplinary study of climate systems. He was also very good at translating climate science for policymakers and the general public. Schneider was an eloquent speaker passionate about climate change and the need to act on it now; he often painted a picture of what would happen if no action was taken towards reducing greenhouse emissions and the moral imperative of humanity to mitigate global warming.

Schneider was not only an author of numerous publications and research but also the one who influenced the development. He had a significant impact on the development of global climate policy; he advised several U.S. presidents and international organizations. His call for science to be brought to the policy arena aided in defining climate change as a policy issue, not simply an environmental one. He gained a lot of recognition for his work in the IPCC, and the collective Nobel Peace Prize awarded in 2007 for the IPCC's work further emphasized the significance of his work.

Besides his scientific contribution, Schneider left behind several students and young scientists he mentored. He was mainly credited for promoting interdisciplinarity in research and for inspiring a new generation of climate scientists to be both scientists and communicators. His journal, Climatic Change, is still helpful in providing a platform for discussing climate science and policy, extending his work's impact.

Stephen H. Schneider's work is still considered invaluable for climate science, and his message to act now still echoes in today's climate policy debates. His efforts in the scientific world and in society have shaped the current and future approaches to the climate change challenge.

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Your donation today shapes the future of how families and friends connect.
You will become a featured Ambassador.
Learn more ->

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Your donation today shapes the future of how families and friends connect.
You will become a featured Ambassador.
Learn more ->

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Milestone moments

Mar 30, 1971

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering and Plasma Physics from Columbia University
Stephen Schneider earned his doctorate in mechanical engineering and plasma physics at Columbia University.
His dissertation provided the background for his environmental concerns, especially climate change.
This is because Schneider, like so many other physics majors, was able to approach the analysis of climate systems using the principles of engineering.

This curiosity led him to focus his skills on investigating climate change, which began a long and fruitful tenure in climate science.
The burgeoning interest in environmental problems in the late 1960s and the 1970s formed Schneider's early years.
At this time, awareness of the effects of air pollution, depletion of resources, and ecological impact of human activities was growing.

These trends explain why Schneider redirected his efforts toward studying climate change.
After joining the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Schneider began the groundbreaking work on the impacts of greenhouse gases and aerosols on climate.
Schneider's research as a postdoctoral fellow at NASA was instrumental in developing the new science of climate modeling.

Jun 30, 1972

NCAR Postdoctoral Fellowship
After his work at NASA, Schneider received a highly coveted postdoctoral appointment at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado.
At NCAR, Schneider further pursued his work on climate models and helped to advance the understanding of climate on Earth.
His period at NCAR established him as one of the premier experts on the subject of climate dynamics worldwide.

Schneider's work at NCAR was instrumental in moving the climate models forward to simulate future climate conditions.
He co-founded the Climate Project, which involved scientists from various fields to analyze the effects of human activities on climate in the long run.
His creativity and ability to work with others made climate modeling an essential tool in studying and prognosis future climate variations.

Jul 30, 1988

The first is participating in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Schneider was a founding member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which the United Nations set up to review the science of climate change.
From 1988 until he died in 2010, Schneider participated in all important IPCC assessment reports.
His participation in the IPCC was instrumental in defining the scientific opinion on climate change and determining the global policy response.

In his IPCC work, Schneider was known to distill scientific information into policy implications that could be implemented.
He was a Coordinating Lead Author for several chapters, and his work mainly involved evaluating important risks and climate change.
These were useful in shaping climate change into an international issue that needed an international response.

Mar 7, 1992

This year, she was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship.
In 1992, Stephen Schneider received a MacArthur Fellowship, the so-called 'genius grant,' for his capacity to translate scientific knowledge into public knowledge.
The fellowship was awarded for his work in climate science and for his attempts to raise awareness of climate change.

The MacArthur Fellowship was a testament to Schneider's work connecting science with policy.
His work stressed the need to translate the results of his research into a form that could be used to influence policy and action.
Schneider's activism for climate change was based on the premise that scientists have a social role they need to play.

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