Jonathan Overpeck

Jonathan Overpeck is a Professor and Dean at the School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, with an affiliated faculty position in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His office is located at 2040 Dana Building, and he can be contacted via email at overpeck@umich.edu or phone at 734.764.2550.

His research focuses on climate change impacts, specializing in drought dynamics, paleoclimatology, and sustainability science. Key interests include:

• Climate-vegetation interactions and hydroclimate variability
• Drought mechanisms and aridification trends
• Ecosystem responses to global change
• Policy-relevant climate adaptation strategies

Overpeck's recent publications (2020-2025) emphasize climate extremes, water resource challenges, and interdisciplinary solutions. Trends include regional hydroclimate analysis (e.g., Tibetan Plateau, Colorado River), ecosystem vulnerability assessments, and science-policy interfaces for sustainability.

He received the following major scientific award:

• National Academy of Sciences (2024) - For distinguished contributions to climate science and environmental research.