Colleagues described him as the "Carl Sagan of climate science." The New York Times called him a "climate warrior." For over four decades Stephen H. Schneider worked relentlessly to educate political leaders and the public about the dangerous consequences of global warming. He was incredibly influential in the area of climate change and was a lead scientist on the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President Al Gore. It would be impossible to concisely list his achievements and impact. He was at the lead of climate change research long before the vast majority of the public and scientists understood it was even an issue.

The Stanford University News reported that Schneider had been struggling with a health problem for many years. He passed away on a flight between Sweden and the UK.

Schneider was particularly well-known to many at UCLA from his sabbatical here and various speaking engagements and other involvements. In August 2009 Schneider gave a presentation at the Institute of the Environment symposium "Creating Security and Prosperity for the 21st Century: The American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) and the California Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32)." In May 2008 he was a guest speaker at another IoE event, "Designing Climate Change Policy: Implementing California AB 32."

Pamela Matson, dean of Stanford's School of Earth Sciences said, "He is irreplaceable – as a colleague, adviser, friend and scientist. In his science, he has done more for the world than most of us recognize, and our children will thank him."

To read the annoucement in the Stanford University News by Louis Bergeron and Dan Stober click here.

To read the Los Angeles Times Obituary by Elaine Woo click here.

Published: Tuesday, July 20, 2010

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