George W. Kling

George W. Kling is a Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan, specializing in ecosystem ecology with a focus on environmental problems. He is affiliated with the Program in the Environment and holds a Ph.D. from Duke University (1988). His research emphasizes aquatic ecosystems across the Arctic and tropics, addressing climate change impacts and permafrost dynamics. Key contributions include the UCS-ESA publication Confronting Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region (2003).

Teaching responsibilities include Global Change (ENVIRON 110), Aquatic Ecology (EEB 483), and Professional Development (EEB 525). His work integrates field studies, remote sensing (e.g., InSAR), and microbial genomic analyses to understand carbon cycling, permafrost thaw, and groundwater dynamics. Notable achievements include Fellow of the AAAS and awards such as the NSF Presidential Faculty Fellowship.

Research highlights include studies on Arctic lake recovery post-thermokarst disturbance, groundwater flow in supra-permafrost aquifers, and iron-mediated carbon degradation. Collaborations with Indigenous communities and interdisciplinary teams address Arctic environmental change impacts on ecosystems and societies.

• Education: Ph.D., Duke University, 1988
• Awards: AAAS Fellowship, UN Sasakawa Award, Ruth Patrick Award
• Key Projects: Arctic LTER, InSAR soil moisture mapping, microbial response to permafrost thaw

His work bridges science and policy, emphasizing co-produced knowledge to inform climate adaptation strategies in the Arctic. Current research focuses on Arctic solutions, permafrost carbon feedbacks, and education outreach to K-12 audiences.