John Furlow
John Furlow works on connecting complex climate science to decision making to improve lives and livelihoods. He is interested in policy reform that reflects the value of climate information in supporting important socio-economic sectors, such as agriculture and public health.
John is developing an executive education program for professionals in developing countries. The program will build the capacity of public and private sector officials to turn their climate adaptation and mitigation ambitions into policies and actions that can lead to greater resilience and lower emissions.
From 2017-2022, he led ACToday Columbia World Project work in Vietnam, developing climate services and integrating climate information into policy and practice to contribute to ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture (SDG2). He was an adjunct professor in the Columbia Climate School where he teaches in the Climate and Society MA Program.
John served as Director of the IRI from 2020 – 2023, and as Deputy Director from 2017-2020.
Prior to coming to IRI, John spent over 15 years at the USEPA and USAID working on climate impacts and adaptation.