Christopher Schwalm

Senior Scientist and Risk Program Director at Woodwell Climate Research Center

Expertise : Climate risk analysis, global change ecology, drought, Earth system modeling

Dr. Christopher Schwalm is the leader of WHRC’s Risk Program, which assesses physical climate risk to human and natural systems. He is an internationally-recognized global change ecologist and Earth system modeler. Schwalm’s research focuses on climate extremes, with emphasis on drought impacts, as well as understanding how carbon, water, and plant nutrients move through land ecosystems.

Dr. Schwalm leads WHRC’s work with Wellington Management, connecting climate risk to capital markets. He also directs WHRC’s initiative with McKinsey & Company, which led to the January 2020 report Climate risk and response: Physical hazards and socioeconomic impacts.

Dr. Schwalm’s research has been published in leading journals (Science and Nature) and has been featured by the New York Times, CBS News, and NPR. He received his Ph.D. in Natural Resources Science and Management from the University of Minnesota.