Origins & Early Life

Katharine Anne Scott Hayhoe (born 1972) is a Canadian atmospheric scientist. She is a Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor and an Endowed Chair in Public Policy and Public Law at the Texas Tech University Department of Political Science. In 2021, Hayhoe joined the Nature Conservancy as Chief Scientist. Hayhoe was born on April 15, 1972, in Toronto, Ontario.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Her father, Doug Hayhoe, was a science educator and missionary. When Hayhoe was nine, her family moved to Cali, Colombia, where her parents served as missionaries and educators. Hayhoe received her Bachelor of Science degree in physics and astronomy from the University of Toronto in 1994. She began her college career studying astrophysics, but upon taking a course on climate science to fulfill a course requirement, she shifted her focus to atmospheric science, which she ultimately specialized in at graduate school. Hayhoe attended graduate school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she received her Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Her PhD committee was chaired by Donald Wuebbles, who recruited her for a research project assessing the impacts of climate change on...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abraham Joshua Heschel — Contemporary (Died in 1972) (1972): Leading 20th-century American rabbi, theologian, and philosopher.
• Alessandro Nivola — Contemporary (Born in 1972) (1972): Versatile American actor known for film and stage work, building a notable career.
• Alison Stone (philosopher) — Contemporary (Born in 1972) (1972): British philosopher specializing in feminist and continental European thought.
• Abraham Lincoln — Shared historical date (04-15 · Died) (1865): 16th President of the United States; guided the nation through the Civil War.
• Adolphe Thiers — Shared historical date (04-15 · Born) (1797): Influential French statesman, historian, and President of the Third Republic.
• Anika Noni Rose — Historical peer (Born in 1972) (1972): Acclaimed American actress celebrated for Broadway triumphs and Disney voice roles.
• Ben Affleck — Historical peer (Born in 1972) (1972): Esteemed American actor and filmmaker known for dramatic roles and directorial efforts.
• Abdul Qadeer Khan — Historical peer (Died in 2021) (2021): Pakistani nuclear physicist, known as the 'father of Pakistan's atomic weapons program'
• Albert Bandura — Historical peer (Died in 2021) (2021): Pioneering psychologist known for Social Cognitive Theory and self-efficacy.
• Alexia Putellas — Historical peer (Born in 1994) (1994): One of the greatest female footballers, known for her midfield brilliance and success with Barcelona and Spain.
• 1972 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1972
• April 15 (04-15) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 15