Climate science serves America – and beyond

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by Jonathan Foley, Ph.D.
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Key Takeaways

  • Science has long been a driving force for progress in the United States. Over the decades, science has saved millions of lives, built the world’s greatest economy, and delivered powerful climate solutions.
  • Support for science – in particular, climate science – has declined as federal priorities shift. Funding uncertainties call for new revenue streams to keep science, and so our nation, strong.
  • Project Drawdown is stepping up for climate science at this critical time. Our new Climate Science Serving America Fellowship offers much-needed support to early- to mid-career world-class Ph.D.-level scientists and engineers.
  • Learn more and apply here through April 17.

For over a century, science has been a driving force for American progress.

Science has helped us defend democracy through two World Wars and end the scourge of diseases like polio and smallpox. Science has put people on the moon and sent probes across our solar system. It’s revolutionized everything from agriculture to computing, saving millions of lives – while building the world’s greatest economy. Today, science continues to make bold discoveries, helping us lift people up, improve the human condition, and create a better world.

In short, science has helped America thrive. And our future depends on our continued support of scientific research, education, and public engagement. Thoughtful leaders on both sides of the aisle – from Teddy Roosevelt to Truman, Kennedy to Nixon, George H. W. Bush to Biden – have used science to guide our country forward. Those leaders knew what we know: America is at its best when we invest in science.

The United States has also led the world in climate science. Again and again, the United States has made incredible advances in understanding our changing planet through innovations in satellite technology, computer modeling, and global data collection. In many ways, America pioneered modern climate science, and the world has benefited from our leadership.

Nowhere is this clearer than in the development of climate solutions to help avert the worst impacts of climate change. Many of the world’s best scientists and engineers work here, thanks to our world-class training and research opportunities. And cornerstone climate innovations in renewable energy, battery storage, advanced materials, and new industrial engineering methods all started in America.

And this leadership in scientific research and climate solutions benefits everyone in the country.

Climate science serves America by helping us understand our changing planet and how it will impact us. It also allows us to prepare for the worst while striving to build a better future. It also enables America to be at the forefront of building 21st-century technologies and industries, creating American jobs, maintaining our competitive edge in the global economy, and making us safer, healthier, more secure, and more prosperous.

Those who invest heavily in climate science – and climate solutions – today will be the global leaders of tomorrow. In other words, American climate science is essential for our country’s future.

Unfortunately, these are uncertain times for science in America. Climate science, in particular, is facing significant challenges to traditional avenues of funding and institutional support as federal priorities shift.

At this critical juncture, when American leadership on climate science is needed more than ever, we must shore up funding and other support for the field – especially for the best and brightest scientists and engineers who will lead the way for another century of American progress.

At this critical juncture, when American leadership on climate science is needed more than ever, we must shore up funding and other support for the field.

At Project Drawdown, we are very proud to announce a new Climate Science Serving America Fellowship to support world-class Ph.D.-level scientists and engineers focused on climate science and climate solutions. 

In the first phase of our program, we are offering two to three fellowships to early- or mid-career scientists based in the United States. Selected fellows will be provided a competitive salary, benefits, and a small annual research stipend.  If we can raise additional funding, we will offer additional fellowship opportunities later this year.

We are seeking candidates who excel in research, are focused on climate solutions, and work in the broader public interest. Candidates who have shown a deep commitment to scientific integrity, serving the broader public, and science communication are especially welcome.

Fellows will be expected to work outside the “ivory tower” and serve their community, the nation, and the wider world. They will be expected to share their work publicly through books, popular articles, op-eds, speaking engagements, public talks, social media, and more. They also will be expected to serve as a public expert. For example, they can be a voice for science in media, communities, and beyond; act as a pro bono advisor to nonprofits, businesses, foundations, and others; advise state and local governments on climate solutions; or provide expert testimony to governments or courtrooms on critical issues related to climate change. 

The possibilities – and the needs – are endless.

We want to help these fellows do good science. And we want to make sure their science does good.

To learn more about the fellowship, please see Climate Science Serving America Fellowship. Applications are being accepted through April 17.

I am proud that Project Drawdown can help play a small role in supporting climate science, which in turn pays rich dividends to society – in America and across the world. And I hope that other organizations, especially pioneering philanthropists, will join us in expanding this support.

Jonathan Foley, Ph.D., is a climate scientist and the Executive Director of Project Drawdown, the world’s leading resource for climate solutions. 

This work was published under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. You are welcome to republish it following the license terms.

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