MSU Forest Carbon and Climate Program Appoints New Director

The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University (MSU) has appointed Daniel Ortega-Pacheco as director of the MSU Forest Carbon and Climate Program (FCCP), effective Feb. 1, 2024.

Housed within the top-ranked Department of Forestry, the FCCP increases understanding and implementation of climate-smart forest management by linking climate change mitigation and adaptation. The program advances best practices, promotes interdisciplinary understanding of forest benefits and nurtures balanced perspectives that include working forests and forest products as a part of the climate change solution. The FCCP informs professionals, natural resource managers, decision-makers, students and the broader public about the value of forested lands and forest products in addressing climate change.

“As director, Dr. Ortega-Pacheco will bring his extensive experience in natural climate solutions to lead FCCP’s work with strategic partners to bring attention to key topics, engage in collaborative research and bridge dialogue gaps on carbon and climate topics,” said Dr. Richard Kobe, professor and chairperson for the Department of Forestry. “His expertise in nature-based climate solutions in a global context for governments and with the private sector will play an important role in strengthening the FCCP’s domestic contribution and expanding its international presence. We are delighted to have Dr. Ortega-Pacheco join MSU.”

Daniel Ortega-Pacheco, Ph.D., has more than 20 years of global experience across sustainable finance, carbon markets, diplomacy, scholarly, climate governance, and regulation. He spent seven years working within Ecuador’s government, where he served as Lead Climate Negotiator, Vice-Minister of Political Affairs and Minister of Environment, where he was responsible for the country’s net zero and biodiversity strategies. Ortega-Pacheco is the former Director of Ecuador – ESPOL Polytechnic University’s Center for Public Policy Development and held roles at ESPAE School of Management, EARTH University and BIOCARBON.

“I’m excited to contribute to MSU Forest Carbon Climate Program’s leading domestic and global role by bringing experience in sustainable finances and carbon markets, as well as my background in developing partnerships towards accelerating nature-based climate solutions,” said Ortega-Pacheco.

Source: msu.edu

Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley