Shepherd wins Environmental Achievement Award

University of Georgia professor J. Marshall Shepherd was recently named the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Environmental Achievement Award. This accolade is presented annually by the Environmental Law Institute to individuals or organizations that have made notable contributions to environmental protection, conservation and sustainability.

“Dr. Shepherd’s outstanding career and commitment to understanding and communicating about climate science and its implications for global environments and communities is truly remarkable,” said ELI President Jordan Diamond. “With a long-standing record of exceptional scientific research, thought leadership and public education on atmospheric sciences, he has been instrumental in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and public discourse.”

As a professor, scientist, communicator and a former president of the American Meteorological Society, Shepherd has consistently emphasized the vital importance of scientifically informed decision-making in addressing environmental challenges. His commitment to factual and evidence-based dialogue has elevated public discussions on climate, weather extremes and environmental justice. This commitment is regularly on display as he hosts The Weather Channel’s award-winning “Weather Geeks,” publishes in the scholarly literature and engages as a public intellectual.

“Dr. Marshall Shepherd embodies the very essence of what the Environmental Achievement Award stands for,” said Sandra Nichols Thiam, ELI’s vice president for research & policy. “His dedication to both rigorous scientific inquiry and its translation to actionable insights for policymakers, communities and the general public is unparalleled. Through his work, he has significantly advanced our collective understanding of Earth’s climate systems and the importance of proactive environmental stewardship.”

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Image: J. Marshall Shepherd (Photo by Nancy Evelyn/UGA)