climate science for change
PHOTO CREDITS
Kyle Arndt, Natalie Baillargeon, Matti Barthel, Paulo Brando, CERAWeek, Greg Fiske, Heather Goldstone, Mitch Korolev, Eric Lee, Manoela Machado, Zander Nassikas, Dee Sullivan/MinFin Photography, Anya Suslova, Scott Zolkos, Woodwell Climate archives
At Woodwell Climate Research Center, we are driven by a hopeful vision for the future.
Our scientists’ cutting-edge research shows the effects of climate change intensifying every day, but also reveals how many meaningful opportunities there are to change our course for the better.
We’re committed to pursuing research with the greatest potential for impact, and magnifying that impact even further through strategic collaborations and partnerships.
I hope you will join us in our determined pursuit of a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable world.
Onward,
R. Max Holmes President and CEO
Get the latest updates from Woodwell Climate: woodwellclimate.org/email
While we work all over the world, our main campus is located in Falmouth, Massachusetts, on the traditional and sacred land of the Wampanoag people who still occupy the land, and whose history, language, traditional ways of life, and culture continue to influence this vibrant community.
Our work spans the globe, focusing on the natural systems with the potential to make or break our climate future—from thawing Arctic permafrost, to threatened tropical forests, and intensifying extreme weather.
Our world-class researchers partner with leaders and communities to identify and fill critical information gaps, generate actionable insights, and co-develop just, meaningful strategies to address the climate crisis.
We drive action by connecting science to daily life through policy briefs, risk assessments, expert testimony, and more. We are also deeply involved in educating and activating community members and community scientists in the fight against climate change.
Our partners include:
MINISTÈRE DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT ET DÉVELOPPEMENT DURABLE
Our 130+ staff work on projects in more than 20 countries across 6 continents.
Each year, our experts publish 100+ scientific papers and are quoted in the news 5,000+ times.
1 wind turbine and over 130 solar panels provide all of the energy to heat and cool our award-winning sustainable campus.
At least 65% of our work is philanthropically funded. (FY23 audited financials)
We have addressing the climate crisis down to a science: trailblazing research leaders + strategic partners = unrivaled impact
It’s a model we’ve repeated countless times.
woodwellclimate.org/stories Meet more of our trailblazing scientists and staff: woodwellclimate.org/people
Through our rigorous research and innovative partnership model, we’ve built a decades-long legacy of leadership in climate science, policy, and education.
Helped draft and launch the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Founded as Woods Hole Research Center by Dr. George Woodwell.
Dr. Woodwell testifies before Congress, emphasizing the importance of natural systems at the first hearing on climate change.
WHRC president Dr. John P. Holdren named Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and President Obama’s Science Advisor. He became the longestserving Science Advisor to the President in the history of the position.
WHRC scientists among those recognized for their contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which shared the Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore.
Opened Gilman Ordway Campus, an award-winning renovation of an historic estate designed to embody values of sustainability and innovation. Named International Center for Climate Governance’s top climate change think tank for the 4th year in a row.
Launched partnership with Wellington Management that led to first-ever guidelines for corporate disclosure of physical climate risk.
Influenced groundbreaking Brazilian legislation that protects 30 million acres of Amazon forest.
Changed our name to Woodwell Climate Research Center, honoring our founder and emphasizing our commitment to addressing the greatest challenge of our time.
1.6 million acres of Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge included in a Woodwell-guided, first-of-its-kind pilot project to test boreal fire management as climate mitigation.
Dr. Sue Natali took to the TED stage to launch Permafrost Pathways—a $41 million project to address permafrost thaw funded through the TED Audacious Project.
Woodwell president
Dr. Philip B. Duffy assigned as Climate Science Advisor to OSTP under the Biden administration.
Partnered with the COP26 UK Presidency to assess climate risk understanding in G20 nations.
Released national climate risk assessment for adaptation planning in partnership with Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Environment. Woodwell Climate and IPAM celebrate 20 years of research at Tanguro Field Station.
