Ilissa Ocko, Ph.D.

Dr. Ilissa Ocko is an applied climate scientist and science communicator working at the interface of science and action. Her expertise lies in uncovering high-impact opportunities to slow near-term warming by aligning rigorous scientific research with the needs of decision-makers. She designs and translates science to inform policy and strategy, equipping governments, companies, and other stakeholders with actionable insights to drive meaningful climate solutions.

Her work has helped elevate global understanding of the “other half of warming:" warming not from carbon dioxide but from climate super pollutants, which present a powerful opportunity to lower near-term warming. Ilissa’s award-winning research includes receiving the ACP Paul Crutzen Publication Award for an outstanding publication that advances our understanding of atmospheric chemistry and physics. She currently serves as a Lead Author for Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Seventh Assessment Report (AR7).

Previously, Ilissa served as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate at the Department of State. Prior to that, she held the Barbra Streisand Chair of Environmental Studies at Environmental Defense Fund, where she led the Climate Science Team.

A recognized voice in climate communication, Ilissa delivered a TED Talk, “The Fastest Way to Slow Climate Change Now,” which has been viewed nearly 2.5 million times. Ilissa has also spoken at venues including SXSW, and won a NASA science communications competition. She is also an avid designer of science graphics and data visualizations.

Ilissa holds a Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from Princeton University, where she also earned a certificate in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy and received the Emerging Alumni Scholar Award. She earned her B.S.E. magna cum laude in Earth System Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan.