31.01.20 By Climate Council

VALE WILL STEFFEN

Professor Will Steffen was a brilliant scientist, a gifted communicator, and a kind man.

Globally respected as one of the most influential thinkers on Earth system science, his legacy and impact driving climate action forward was profound. He fearlessly acted as a shining light for so many throughout his life, including all of us in the Climate Council community, and thousands more across Australia and the world.

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Will’s passing leaves us with a deep sense of loss, but he will continue to live in all of us as we use his science and his words to keep making the case for more urgent climate action. We will seek to embody his determination and hope. We were privileged to be able to work alongside him, and offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone who came to know and love Will.

If you’d like to leave a message of condolence for Will, you can do so via the form on this page.

Remembering Will

Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie’s speech at Prof. Will Steffen’s memorial

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Very few people around the world could claim to have done more to tackle climate change than Professor Will Steffen. He was a first class scientist and a world class communicator. Around the world and in Australia, many are mourning the loss of a valued and loved colleague. Vale
— Chris Bowen (@Bowenchris) January 30, 2023

Vale Will Steffen.
We've lost a truly leading thinker on climate change, someone who made a difference in how the world understands it. And a gentle, positive human being.
I worked with Will when he was founding director of the ANU Climate Change Institute, and owe him much. pic.twitter.com/QvauUaG4SA
— Frank Jotzo (@frankjotzo) January 30, 2023

I'm devastated to hear of the passing of Professor Will Steffen.

A fearless and devoted giant of climate activism, who was endlessly generous with his time and expertise.

Vale and thank you, Will.
— Adam Bandt (@AdamBandt) January 30, 2023

Vale Prof Will Steffen. It was such a privilege & pleasure to walk with you in the beautiful takayna/Tarkine in 2021. We remember your generosity in sharing knowledge, humility, strength & good humour. And so many stories! RIP & condolences to your family, colleagues & friends. pic.twitter.com/f3cTpMCybI
— Melissa Sweet (@MelissaSweetDr) January 30, 2023

Vale Will Steffen, brilliant scientist and a courageous man. His ability to communicate the urgency of climate action was unparalleled. As Will wrote in one of his last pieces for @ConversationEDU "The decision is ours to make…Failure is not an option" https://t.co/VZxwE6ytIk
— Nicole Hasham (@nicole_hasham) January 30, 2023

Our friend, colleague, mentor, co-founder of the @climatecouncil Will Steffen has died. I am devastated and shocked, he is gone far too soon. He was the most brave, brilliant, generous & kind person. I can still hear his ready laugh in my mind and I hope it stays with me forever.
— Amanda McKenzie (@McKenzieAmanda) January 30, 2023

I have no words to express my deep sadness for the loss of Will Steffen who passed away last night. He had been one of the most influential individuals in global change science programs, director of GCTE, IGBP, and driver of ESSP that led to the creation of the @gcarbonproject pic.twitter.com/4lhZUxLlNi
— Pep Canadell (@pepcanadell) January 30, 2023

Simply bereft at news that Will Steffen has died. The most generous, courageous, humble & selfless pioneer for climate action.His tireless, passionate dedication to earth system science & #climatechange is unparalleled, alongside his mentorship & friendship to so many. Vale 😔 pic.twitter.com/aEdr7pcJ7e
— sam mostyn (@sammostyn) January 30, 2023

Will Steffen remains a beacon of light in the gloom of governments subsidising more coal mining, gas fracking and forest logging. Good bye and endless thanks Will: you were a noble advocate for the security of life on Earth. pic.twitter.com/alM4Sw7Je5
— Bob Brown Foundation (@BobBrownFndn) January 30, 2023

It is with profound sorrow that we share news of the passing of our dear colleague and our friend Professor Will Steffen. pic.twitter.com/I83r3o5nrC
— Climate Council (@climatecouncil) January 30, 2023