Kerry Emanuel

Kerry Emanuel serves as the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Atmospheric Science in MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, where he has been faculty since 1981. After earning both his PhD and undergraduate degree from MIT, with a brief teaching stint at UCLA, he has dedicated his career to understanding fundamental aspects of atmospheric fluid dynamics, particularly focusing on tropical cyclones (hurricanes and typhoons) and tropical circulations. His pioneering research has revolutionized our understanding of hurricane intensity and their relationship to climate change, establishing foundational theories about how these storms function as heat engines. Through his leadership at MIT's Lorenz Center and extensive research contributions, he has shaped our understanding of atmospheric sciences and climate dynamics. His work combines theoretical insights with practical applications in weather prediction and climate science, making him one of the most influential voices in atmospheric science and climate change research. His research continues to advance our understanding of tropical weather systems and their role in global climate patterns.