R.K. Pachauri

Born in Nainital, India, Rajendra K. Pachauri (August 20, 1940) was elected chief of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2002. The IPCC was established by WMO and UNEP to assess scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for understanding climate change, its potential impacts, and options for adaptation and mitigation.

Pachauri also serves as the head of The Energy Research Institute, a developing-country institution devoted to sustainable development.

He otained an M.S in industrial engineering in 1972, a Ph.D in industrial engineering, and a Ph.D. in economics from North Carolina State University.

In acknowledgement of his environmental contributions, Pachauri was awarded the Padman Bhushan in 2001 -- one of India's highest civilian awards that recognizes distinguished service to the nation.