LGBT+ History Month: Celebrating diversity in the climate community – Paulo Ceppi

In this series we shine a light on some of the talented members of the LGBT+ community working or studying in climate change and environment.

Dr Paulo Ceppi, lecturer in climate science at the Grantham Institute (he/him)

I count myself really lucky to be surrounded by interesting and talented people at work (and by this I mean both staff and students). Although things aren’t always perfect, I feel that for the most part Imperial is a diverse and tolerant place where I’m comfortable being myself.

Tell me a sentence about yourself.

I am from Switzerland, but born in Chile. I enjoy mountain walks, classical music and playing the piano.

What do you do at Imperial?

I study the climate and how it will change as greenhouse gas concentrations increase. To do this I use global climate models and observations. I’m particularly interested in better understanding how clouds will change as the Earth warms, and how this may amplify global warming.

What first made you care about climate change?

I’ve always been fascinated by weather phenomena. As a child, I read everything I could on the subject. Studying climate science was a natural extension of this interest – after all, the climate is just the statistics of weather, and it’s a very relevant topic nowadays. I haven’t regretted my career choice.

Name a pro-environmental thing you have done in the last year?

I gave up flying, although to be honest it was mainly due to lack of opportunity, so I don’t think that should count. But I did also switched to buying my meat from a local organic butcher.

What were you doing before you came to Imperial?

A postdoc at the University of Reading. And before that, a PhD at the University of Washington in Seattle, United States.

What is your favourite thing about working at Imperial?

I count myself really lucky to be surrounded by interesting and talented people at work (and by this I mean both staff and students). Although things aren’t always perfect, I feel that for the most part Imperial is a diverse and tolerant place where I’m comfortable being myself.

What could be better about working at Imperial?

Not much, but I wish the buildings were a bit prettier and we had more green space on campus! Luckily, Hyde Park isn’t a long way away.

Tell us about an LGBT+ figure you admire (current or historical)?

Alan Turing, for his scientific achievements and his courage as an openly gay man in those days.

Follow Paulo on Twitter: @PauloCeppi

For more information about the LGBT+ community at Imperial see Imperial600, the LGBT+ staff network and IQ, LGBT+ student society.

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