Dr. Steven Wofsy is an American atmospheric and hydrospheric scientist. He is the Abbott Lawrence Rotch Professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Science at Harvard University. Dr. Wofsy is also the principal investigator on the project MethaneSAT, an advanced methane-tracking satellite capable of measuring methane emissions virtually anywhere on Earth. MethaneSAT launched in early 2024.
Throughout his career, Dr. Wofsy's research has focused on measuring, modeling, and mitigating the vast impacts that human beings have on the atmosphere. Man-made emissions have severe effects on the environment of the Earth and society, such as climatic warming and global, regional, and urban air pollution.
Professor Wofsy's research over many years has been motivated by the need for scientific information and analysis to make wise decisions on the future development and conservation of the world's resources.
Related SPI recordings:
For more on the transition from local to global environmental issues, visit Natural Resources Defense Council Founder Gus Speth’s SPI page, found here.
For more on how methane is measured / spectroscopy, visit Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell’s SPI page, found here.
Links of Interest
Harvard Gazette/ Boston’s Leaky Pipes
Harvard Gazette / Ju Chulakadabba
Steven Wofsy MethaneSAT ACTIVITIES
