Rate Professor Michael Mann

Professional Summary: Professor Michael E. Mann

Professor Michael E. Mann is a distinguished climatologist and geophysicist, widely recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to climate science. Currently serving as a Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State University, he has dedicated his career to advancing the understanding of climate change through rigorous scientific research and public engagement.

Academic Background and Degrees

Dr. Mann holds advanced degrees in physics and geophysics, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise in climate science:

• Ph.D. in Geology & Geophysics, Yale University (1998)
• M.Phil. in Geology & Geophysics, Yale University (1993)
• M.S. in Physics, Yale University (1991)
• B.A. in Physics and Applied Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley (1989)

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Mann’s research focuses on climate variability, paleoclimate reconstruction, and the impacts of human-induced climate change. He is particularly renowned for his work on temperature reconstructions over the past millennium, including the iconic 'hockey stick' graph, which illustrates the sharp rise in global temperatures in the 20th century. His interests include:

• Climate signal detection and attribution
• Paleoclimate data analysis and modeling
• Extreme weather events and climate change impacts
• Public communication of climate science

Career History and Appointments

Dr. Mann has held numerous prestigious academic positions throughout his career:

• Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science, Penn State University (2013–present)
• Director, Earth System Science Center, Penn State University (2005–present)
• Associate Professor, University of Virginia (2001–2005)
• Assistant Professor, University of Virginia (1999–2001)
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Massachusetts Amherst (1998–1999)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Mann has received numerous accolades for his contributions to climate science and public outreach:

• Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement (2019)
• AAAS Public Engagement with Science Award (2018)
• Stephen H. Schneider Award for Outstanding Climate Science Communication (2017)
• Elected Fellow, American Geophysical Union (2012)
• Elected Fellow, American Meteorological Society (2013)
• Contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, which shared the Nobel Peace Prize (2007)

Key Publications

Dr. Mann has authored or co-authored numerous influential publications, including books and peer-reviewed articles. Some of his most notable works include:

• The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars: Dispatches from the Front Lines (2012)
• Dire Predictions: Understanding Climate Change (2008, co-authored with Lee R. Kump)
• The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial Is Threatening Our Planet, Destroying Our Politics, and Driving Us Crazy (2016, co-authored with Tom Toles)
• 'Global-scale temperature patterns and climate forcing over the past six centuries' in Nature (1998, co-authored with Raymond S. Bradley and Malcolm K. Hughes)
• 'Northern hemisphere temperatures during the past millennium: Inferences, uncertainties, and limitations' in Geophysical Research Letters (1999, co-authored with Raymond S. Bradley and Malcolm K. Hughes)

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Mann’s research has had a profound impact on the field of climate science, particularly through his contributions to paleoclimate reconstructions. His 'hockey stick' graph became a pivotal piece of evidence in demonstrating the unprecedented nature of recent global warming, shaping both scientific discourse and public policy on climate change. Despite facing significant scrutiny and controversy, his work has been repeatedly validated by subsequent studies and remains a cornerstone of modern climatology. Additionally, Mann is a prominent advocate for science communication, bridging the gap between complex research and public understanding.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Dr. Mann is an active participant in the broader scientific community and public sphere:

• Regular speaker at international climate science conferences and public forums
• Co-founder of the climate science blog RealClimate, providing accessible explanations of climate research
• Contributor to major media outlets on climate change topics
• Member of various scientific advisory panels and committees, including contributions to IPCC reports
• Served on editorial boards for journals such as Journal of Climate