Ruth DeFries
University Professor and Professor of Ecology
Ruth DeFries is a University Professor and a professor of ecology and sustainable development. She is also a co-founding dean emerita of Columbia Climate School. DeFries uses images from satellites and field surveys to examine how the world’s demands for food and other resources are changing land use throughout the tropics. Her research quantifies how these land use changes affect climate, biodiversity and other ecosystem services, as well as human development.