Dr. Christopher Lennard: Climate Resilience Scientist & Regional Modeling Expert
Dr. Christopher Lennard is a climate scientist specializing in regional climate modeling, climate adaptation, and capacity-building for African climate researchers. Based at the Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG) at the University of Cape Town, his work bridges scientific research, policy development, and international collaboration to address climate risks across the Global South.
Chris serves as Co-Chair of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Academy, where he leads efforts to strengthen climate research capacity, particularly in developing countries. He is also a Lead Author for the Africa chapters of the IPCC Fifth and Sixth Assessment Reports, and the IPCC Special Report on Land and Climate, contributing to global understanding of climate impacts and resilience strategies.
He facilitates the CORDEX-Africa initiative, empowering African scientists to co-develop regional climate projections and services. His research spans extreme climate events, renewable energy, infectious disease modeling, and solar geoengineering, with over 70 academic publications and five book chapters to his name.
🌏 Current Roles & Contributions
- Senior Climate Scientist, CSAG – University of Cape Town
- Co-Chair, WCRP Academy
- Facilitator, CORDEX-Africa
- Scientific Steering Member, WCRP Climate Intervention Lighthouse & ScenarioMIP
- Principal Investigator – Wind Atlas for South Africa (WASA)
- Co-Investigator – Health:RADAR & FOCUS-Africa
- Contributor – Degrees Modelling Fund
📚 Academic Excellence & Recognitions
- Lead Author – IPCC Special Report on Land and Climate
- Lead Author – Africa chapters of IPCC AR5 and AR6
- 70+ peer-reviewed publications and 5 book chapters
🌍 Affiliations & Influence
- University of Cape Town – Climate System Analysis Group (CSAG)
- CORDEX Scientific Advisory Team – Point of Contact for Africa
- GeoMIP – Steering Committee Member
- VIACS Advisory Board – Vulnerability, Impacts, Adaptation & Climate Services
- Degrees Initiative – Climate Intervention Research Contributor
👨👦 Personal Insight
- Chris is a proud father of two boys whose curiosity and energy fuel his passion for climate resilience and future-proofing the planet.
