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James Gerber, Ph.D.

James Gerber, Ph.D., is a senior scientist for data science with Project Drawdown. He has special expertise in agriculture’s impact on Earth’s ecosystems, food security, and the interrelation of climate and food security and was lead author for the Sixth Assessment Report of the International Panel on Climate Change focusing on development pathways. He previously worked at the University of Minnesota.  

James Gerber
A graphic showing a map of Southeast Asia with a faded image of a tropical forest in the background
Why forests and farming are critical climate solutions in Southeast Asia
by Emily Cassidy and James Gerber, Ph.D.
Southeast Asia is one of the most carbon-rich places on Earth. The region is home to dense tropical forests, as well as peatlands and mangroves, which together store massive amounts of carbon above and below ground. But when trees are cut down and peatlands are drained, these carbon stores are released into the atmosphere. 
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A graphic with a tropical forest in the background and a sign that implies deforestation is prohibited
How stopping deforestation is a powerful “emergency brake” climate solution
by James Gerber, Ph.D. and Jonathan Foley, Ph.D.
When people think of climate solutions, they often focus on smokestacks, tailpipes, and other artifacts of our fossil-fueled economy. That’s fitting since roughly two-thirds of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from producing and burning oil, gas, coal, and other highly polluting fuels. But it overlooks other critical emissions sources – including deforestation – that are also accelerating the climate crisis.
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Close-up of grain
Room to grow: Identifying the best ways to boost crop yield
by James Gerber, Ph.D.
The global food system isn’t broken, yet it needs fixing. 
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