Robert H. Socolow

Robert Harry Socolow (born December 27, 1937; surname pronunciation sŏc‘-ŏ-lō) is an American environmental scientist, theoretical physicist and professor emeritus of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University. He was a founder of the Carbon Mitigation Initiative of Princeton University. He has articulated pathways to reduction of carbon dioxide emissions for minimizing climate change, especially the concept of climate stabilization wedge. Socolow has developed equitable approaches to climate change mitigation that balance reductions in greenhouse gas emissions with economic development.

Socolow was a 2023 recipient of the John Scott Medal for his innovations in environmental science and climate stabilization. The award citation highlighted his ability to frame environmental problems in practical terms that aid in consensus-building.

The American Physical Society stated that Socolow had a leadership role in establishing energy and environmental problems as interdisciplinary research fields for physicists consistent with the highest scientific standards. In this regard, with ecologist John Harte, in 1971 Socolow authored ''Patient Earth'' which was an early casebook on environmental science. His research was characterized as pioneering in energy efficiency research in the context of environmentalism. Socolow's scientific investigations influenced the decision to cancel the Miami Jetport project and the Tocks Island Dam project in northern New Jersey. He articulated approaches to industrialization of the developing countries through environmentally responsible means. Provided by Wikipedia