Eli Mitchell-Larson

Eli is a senior at Yale College (B.S. ’13) studying in the Environmental Studies and Geology & Geophysics departments. He hails originally from coastal Maine. At Yale, Eli is interested in climate science communication and paleoclimatology, the reconstruction of climate variables from before the instrumental record using geochemical proxies.  His current research seeks to characterize the isotopic and trace element composition of shallow water Mediterranean corals for use as a paleothermometer.

 In Doha, Eli will explore how the record of past climatic change, including both abrupt and gradual shifts in climate, informs the UNFCCC negotiations. Over the past two decades paleoclimatologists have attempted to communicate the perceived importance of their work to the public and to policy makers with varying degrees of success. Through interviews and observation, Eli plans to track the level of understanding of climate history among negotiators and what they distinguish as the most relevant, strategically employable climate science.  In addition to the negotiations, Eli will follow presentations at side-events that directly involve climate science.  

 A singer and performer, Eli spent last year touring the world with the Yale Whiffenpoofs, a tour which including a thirty minute layover in Doha.  He looks forward to getting out of the airport this time, representing YCEI in Qatar, and following the outcome of the COP18 negotiations.