The Methane Science Accord and Groundswell are honoured to host Dr William Happer, emeritus Princeton physicist and internationally known figure in atmospheric physics and climate debate, for a lecture tour of New Zealand from 4th to 16th December 2025.

Speaking Events will be listed closer to Tour,

Dr Happer will present his latest views on the effects of greenhouse gases, radiative transfer, and climate sensitivity. 

This visit provides a unique opportunity for New Zealanders — from farmers and business leaders to scientists and parliamentarians — to hear directly from one of the world’s most distinguished and thought-provoking voices in atmospheric physics.

About Dr Will Happer

Dr Happer is a career physicist whose research spans atomic physics, spectroscopy, optics, and atmospheric radiative transfer.

• Princeton University: Emeritus Professor and former Chair of the Department of Physics.

• Government Service: Former Director, U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science (1991–1993).

• Scientific Advisory: Long-time member of JASON, the elite advisory group that counsels the U.S. government on national science and technology issues.

• Innovations: Developed key concepts in adaptive optics using artificial “guide stars” — now a cornerstone of modern astronomical observation.

• Research with William van Wijngaarden: Conducted detailed analyses on the radiative effects of greenhouse gases, using the HITRAN satellite database to quantify absorption and emission characteristics.

Dr Happer is widely recognised for his stance on climate science. He argues that the warming effect of carbon dioxide is modest (not catastrophic) and that increased CO₂ can benefit plant growth. His conclusions, published through the CO₂ Coalition, have stimulated vigorous international debate on climate sensitivity and energy policy.