Remembering Pat Michaels (1950-2022) 

The Competitive Enterprise Institute and the entire policy community lost a friend and colleague last week.  We mourn the death of Dr. Patrick J. Michaels (1950-2022), who joined CEI as a senior fellow in 2019.  His contributions had an immediate and lasting effect on the intersection of science and climate policy.  His work spanned careers in academia, government, as a private consultant, and in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining CEI and the C02 Coalition, he was Director of the Center for the Study of Science at the Cato Institute. He was a research professor of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia for 30 years, served as the Virginia State Climatologist for 27 years and as president of the American Association of State Climatologists. 

Author or coauthor of nine books, Pat’s work was published in leading scientific journals including Nature, Science, and Geophysical Research Letters as well as in more popular outlets such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today.  He explained complex scientific research for audiences of the BBC and PBS.

Pat was a straight shooter with a zeal and mastery of the policy details that we all strive to emulate.  He was quick to share a mischievous sense of humor.  His passing leaves a hole in our hearts and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Rachel, his family, friends, as well as a global network of colleagues and collaborators.

Pat’s good humor and insight will be greatly missed.  

Note: Details about a celebration of his life and career will follow.