Daniel Zarrilli Named Columbia’s First Climate and Sustainability Director – State of the Planet

Earlier this week, Columbia University announced its first-ever Chief Climate and Sustainability Officer. Daniel Zarrilli will take on this exciting new leadership role and help the university achieve its ambitious climate commitments and sustainability goals.

The chief climate and sustainability officer’s responsibilities “will include overseeing the implementation and execution of Columbia’s 2030 Plan Sustainability Strategy, serving as an expert advisor on multiple University climate policy development initiatives, and developing productive relationships with stakeholders in the University community,” Columbia University Chief Operating Officer Cas Holloway wrote in an email. In this role, Zarrilli will also lead the Climate Action Steering Committee and serve as a key advisor to the University’s president and senior leadership on climate action and sustainability issues.

Zarrilli, who joined Columbia University in 2021, is a former chief climate policy advisor to the New York City Mayor’s Office and served as Senior Climate and Resilience Officer under Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Mayor Bill de Blasio. During his tenure, he launched a comprehensive $20 billion climate adaptation and resilience program in the wake of Hurricane Sandy to prepare New York City for rising temperatures and sea levels. He also enacted Local Law 97 to decarbonize the city’s highest-emitting buildings, divested the city’s pension funds of fossil fuel reserves, and invested billions in climate solutions. His long list of accomplishments includes launching a groundbreaking program to integrate environmental justice into city decision-making as part of the city’s long-term sustainability plan, OneNYC 2050, which he oversaw.

Zarrilli most recently co-authored the Fifth National Climate Assessment. He is a member of the New York Independent System Operator’s Environmental Advisory Board and a mayoral appointee to the NYC Water Board. He brings to his new role more than 25 years of experience in climate policy and resilience, sustainability, and infrastructure management.

“Dan’s extensive experience addressing climate change and implementing successful sustainability initiatives in complex operating environments makes him uniquely qualified to lead Columbia,” Holloway wrote. “Please join me in congratulating Dan on this important new assignment.”