Prof. James Renwick (PhD)

James Renwick has 40 years’ experience in atmospheric science and climate research. His main field is large-scale climate variability and climate change, focusing on the Southern Hemisphere. He has served as a member of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Joint Scientific Committee, as chair of the Royal Society of New Zealand Climate Expert Panel, and he has had terms as the President of both the Meteorological Society of New Zealand and the New Zealand Association of Scientists.

Science communication is a big part of James’ role. He often gives presentations on climate change to industry and public groups and makes regular media appearances. James was awarded the Prime Minister’s Science Prize for Communication in 2019. He also works to ensure climate change science is accessible to policymakers, being a lead author for the 4th and 5th Assessment Reports of the IPCC and a Convening Lead Author for the 6th Assessment. He was appointed to the New Zealand Climate Change Commission in 2019 to provide advice to Government on the national response to climate change.