JONATHAN JIANG
NASA Scientist, Climatologist, Galactic Communicator
Dr. Jonathan H. Jiang is a distinguished scientist with extensive experience in climate science and astrophysics, particularly in studying the occurrence rates of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). He serves as a Senior Research Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, where he has led pivotal research projects since 1999.
Dr. Jiang's expertise encompasses satellite remote sensing of aerosols, clouds, and trace gases, as well as the design and simulation of satellite missions. His significant contributions to climate science include conducting advanced climate change studies and simulations, which are crucial for understanding and mitigating global warming impacts. Notably, he has applied Earth climate models to exoplanet atmospheres, enhancing our comprehension of these distant worlds.
An expert in the statistical estimation of ETI occurrence rates in the Milky Way Galaxy, Dr. Jiang's research is instrumental in exploring the probabilities of intelligent life beyond Earth. His work integrates insights from the Drake Equation and examines factors influencing the longevity of intelligent species, emphasizing the critical role of self-destruction rates.
In addition to his scientific endeavors, Dr. Jiang has received numerous prestigious awards, including the NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal, the AMS Scientific and Technological Activities Commission Outstanding Service Award, and the JPL Voyager Award. He is a Fellow of the American Meteorological Society and has been recognized among the world's top climate scientists by Reuters.
Dr. Jiang's upcoming TED Talk will draw from his extensive research background to address existential threats to humanity, leveraging his interdisciplinary expertise in atmospheric sciences, exoplanet studies, and the search for ETI. His insights are crucial for inspiring collective action towards a sustainable and thriving future for human civilization.