Jessica Hellmann
Director, Institute on the Environment
- Agriculture and Environment
- Science and Technology
- Climate Change
- Sustainability
Introduction
Jessica Hellmann, Ph.D., is the director of the Institute on the Environment and a professor in the College of Biological Sciences.
Hellmann’s research focuses on global change ecology and climate adaptation. She was among the first to propose and study ways to reduce the impact of climate change through new techniques in conservation management. Hellmann led an important paradigm shift in ecology and natural resource management by showing that adaptation—living with climate change—is just as crucial to the future of humanity and Earth’s ecosystems as slowing and stopping greenhouse gas emissions. Her research and that of her students also has shown that differences in the way populations respond to climate change are key to predicting and managing their future.
Hellmann counsels state and national governments on natural resource management and has worked with governments and corporations to build investment in climate change adaptation. She has co-authored several climate assessment and adaptation planning efforts, including the biodiversity and ecosystem portions of the Chicago Climate Action Plan and the 2014 National Climate Assessment.