Ruth DeFries (academic)

Ruth DeFries is an American geographer and ecologist known for her research on land use and its impact on the environment. She studies how human activities, like agriculture and urban development, affect ecosystems and biodiversity. DeFries emphasizes the importance of sustainable land management to balance human needs with environmental preservation. As a prominent advocate for understanding the connections between human actions and ecological health, her work informs policies aimed at addressing climate change and promoting conservation. She has published extensively and is a professor at Columbia University, where she educates students about the complexities of environmental issues.