World-renowned climate scientist Chris Field became the new Perry L. McCarty Director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment in September 2016.

“Chris Field has exemplary scientific credentials and has been an energetic, effective leader both on campus and in the broader scientific community,” said Stanford Provost John Etchemendy. “He is remarkably well-positioned to lead the Woods Institute as it works to connect Stanford's solutions-oriented environment research to action.”

Stanford Vice Provost and Dean of Research Ann Arvin said Field's background is well-aligned with Woods' mission and approach.

“Woods brings together researchers from across Stanford's seven schools to pioneer the knowledge and solutions needed to solve the world's major environmental challenges,” Arvin said. “Chris Field has convened hundreds of scientists across disciplines and around the globe to advise world leaders on climate change. His accomplishments and approach embody the spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration that has been a hallmark of Woods since its inception.”

Field’s research ranges from finding prospects for renewable energy systems to helping community organizations minimize the risk of a climate-related tragedy of the commons. He has been deeply involved with national and international scale efforts to advance science and assessment related to global ecology and climate change. He served as co-chair of Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change from 2008 to 2015. Prior to his appointment as Woods director, Field served as director of the Carnegie Institution for Science's Department of Global Ecology, which he founded in 2002.

Learn more about Chris in our announcement of his appointment, and get a closer look at some of the climate work he’s been doing with the IPCC on this YouTube playlist.