Georgia climate expert Pam Knox announces retirement from UGA
Georgia climate expert Pam Knox announces retirement from UGA
Georgia’s Extended Drought Impacts Agriculture, Raises Wildfire Risk
Georgia’s extended drought is affecting agriculture and raising wildfire risk across the state.
One of Georgia’s most qualified climate change and weather experts is soon to step down after 25 years of working in the state.
Pam Knox, an agricultural climatologist with the Extension Office at the University of Georgia since 2001, is preparing to retire later this month.
Over the years, Knox has provided outreach and education on climate and its effects on crops and livestock throughout the Southeast. Her insights have helped shape agricultural and environmental policy.
Below is a question-and-answer session with Knox as she prepares for a new stage in her life. Editor’s note: Answers are edited for space and content.
USA Today Network: For readers who may not know, what does an agricultural climatologist do?
Knox: My degree is in meteorology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. I learned a lot about climate when I served as the Wisconsin state climatologist from 1990 to 1996.
Wisconsin is similar to Georgia in terms of agriculture, although they grow different crops because it’s colder. I came to Georgia in 2001 to work as the assistant state climatologist in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. I stayed in that role until 2011.
From 2011 to 2017, I worked as a grant-funded scientist studying climate and agriculture. That’s where I gained much of my background, through two grants — one from NOAA and one from the USDA.
One project focused on climate change and agriculture in the Southeast, and the other examined climate change and livestock production across the U.S. I learned a lot about agriculture during that time. When the grants ended, I was preparing to retire, but the position of director of the University of Georgia Weather Network opened, so I took it.
USA Today Network: How did you connect meteorology and agriculture?
Knox: It’s what we consider applied atmospheric science. I like taking the information I have and using it to solve problems. That’s what applied climatology is.
Anything related to agriculture is affected by weather and climate. The weather is more short-term, like hurricanes or floods. Climate refers to longer-term patterns, like the drought we’re experiencing now.
USA Today Network: Was there a specific “aha” moment in your career that highlighted the importance of climate science in farming?
Knox: Not really. My role as Wisconsin state climatologist opened my eyes to how much people need information about how climate affects what they do. In Wisconsin, that often meant agriculture. That’s when I realized how much I enjoyed this work.
USA Today Network: What is the biggest misconception about what an agricultural climatologist does?
Knox: Right now, “climate” can be a loaded word. But historically, farmers have always recognized its impact on their crops. What happened last year probably won’t happen this year. There’s a lot of variability in farming. To be successful, farmers need to understand how changes in weather from year to year, along with longer-term climate variability, affect what they grow.
USA Today Network: If you could mandate one change in agricultural policy or land management practices, what would it be?
Knox: Honestly, it’s not even specifically about weather. Farmers work hard, and they need more real-time support from state and federal governments when disasters strike. They need help getting through periods when they have no other income. Supporting farmers means ensuring they can continue to provide food for everyone.
USA Today Network: What will you miss most?
Knox: The daily interactions with extension agents. When the phone rings, I never know what the question will be. Often it’s something interesting — sometimes something I’ve never thought about before. I can always talk about the weather, but learning about how climate and agriculture interact is something I never get tired of. I’ll miss those daily conversations with agents and farmers.
USA Today Network: When is your last day, and what are your plans?
Knox: May 29 is my official last day. I’m not worried about finding things to do. I might join more musical groups; I play handbells and sing in my church choir. I may join a local band or do percussion. I’ll also join a gym. I need more exercise after sitting at a desk all day. It’s really about finding the right mix of activities to stay engaged and healthy.
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.