Jessica Hellmann
Climate change adaptation; biodiversity and conservation science; climate risk and resilience; sustainability strategy and systems transformation; interdisciplinary research leadership; climate policy and decision support; environmental innovation and climate technology
Background & Expertise
Jessica Hellmann is executive director of the Institute on the Environment and Ecolab Chair in Environmental Leadership at the University of Minnesota, where she leads efforts to accelerate solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss. Hellmann is also a Distinguished McKnight University Professor of the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior within the College of Biological Sciences. As a conservation biologist, her research has helped shape the field of climate adaptation—advancing understanding of how ecosystems and communities can respond to rapid environmental change.
She directs the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center, a multi-university and federal partnership advancing actionable climate science across the region. She is also co-founder and chief scientist of Geofinancial Analytics, a climate technology venture using satellite data to detect methane emissions and inform investors and regulators.
An elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Ecological Society of America, Hellmann advises governments, foundations, and conservation organizations on climate risk, resilience and sustainability strategy. Across her work, she brings science, policy and innovation together to build institutions and systems capable of thriving in a changing world.
IonE Biodiversity Workshop Series Encourages Cross-Sector Collaboration
Rampant consumption is eating up natural resources and ecosystems at an unprecedented rate, with no signs of slowing down. We see the consequences of this in headlines every day: mega fires, trash islands, warming winters, the insect apocalypse. The planet is losing more species and habitat than ever due to human behavior. In short, we’re in a biodiversity crisis.
Events Featuring Jessica Hellmann
