Christopher Scott

Christopher Scott is the Maurice K. Goddard Chair of Forestry and Environmental Conservation and Professor of Ecosystem Science and Management at Penn State. He serves as Associate Director & Thematic Area Lead for Water Sustainability at the Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE). His research focuses on natural resource conservation, climate-smart forestry, and the water-energy-food nexus, emphasizing transboundary collaboration in regions like the Andes and Himalayas. Scott’s work addresses climate adaptation, sustainable water governance, and energy transitions, with notable contributions to binational sustainability efforts between the U.S. and Mexico. He was elected an AAAS Fellow in 2023 for his interdisciplinary contributions to environmental science and policy.

His research spans global challenges such as water security in arid regions, hydropower governance in Nepal, and renewable energy transitions in mountain ecosystems. Scott leads initiatives like the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Alliance and has advised on projects ranging from cross-border sanitation in Ambos Nogales to solar irrigation in India. His publications highlight innovative solutions for adaptive water management, integrating socio-ecological systems with policy frameworks.

Scott’s roles include leadership in the IEE’s Climate and Natural Systems research theme, where he coordinates interdisciplinary teams to address global environmental challenges. His academic contributions are complemented by extensive outreach, including collaborations with international organizations and policy makers to advance actionable sustainability science.