Jeremiah Collins

Jeremiah Collins is a distinguished Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Oregon, Eugene. He also serves as an Affiliate Faculty in the Department of Geography and a Research Fellow at the Climate Change Institute within the same university. Author of over 150 peer-reviewed papers and chapters, along with 15 books (several in multiple editions), his latest work, "The Path to Sustainability," was published by Earth Press in March 2023.

His research focuses on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies, particularly in urban environments. As the principal investigator of the Portland Urban Climate Resilience Study, Jeremiah and his team have contributed significantly to the field, with their findings featured in leading journals. The study recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and a comprehensive review article is scheduled for release in early 2024. In addition, he co-leads the University of Oregon's Green Campus Initiative, aiming to make the campus carbon neutral by 2030.

In 2022, Jeremiah was shortlisted for the position of President of the American Geophysical Union. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Union in 2017. He has held executive and advisory positions in various national and international organizations, such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the American Association of Geographers (AAG). Jeremiah served as President of the Western Division of the AAG and as a Member-at-Large on the Board of Directors of the National Council for Science and the Environment.

At the University of Oregon, Jeremiah taught introductory courses on environmental science and led the university’s efforts in securing substantial federal grants for sustainability projects. His leadership helped the institution become one of the top producers of environmentally-focused research initiatives. Currently, he acts as the Director of Sustainability for the University President's Office. Born in Seattle, Washington, he earned his B.Sc. from the University of Washington and later obtained his Ph.D. in environmental science from Stanford University.

Jeremiah lives in Eugene, Oregon, with his partner and enjoys hiking and cycling in his free time. He takes pride in mentoring two nieces who have chosen careers in environmental fields. His elder niece, Emily, works as an environmental consultant for a renewable energy company in California, while his younger niece, Hannah, is a project manager for a coastal restoration program in Oregon. Embracing a lifestyle that mirrors his professional ethos, Jeremiah actively promotes sustainable living practices both on and off campus.