Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 2 June 2026 — The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has appointed Dr Edward R. Carr as interim Chair of the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP), reinforcing the role of science in shaping global environmental investments at a time of mounting ecological and multilateral pressures.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen announced the appointment during the 71st Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council meeting on Tuesday in Samarkand. Dr Carr will serve a one-year term beginning 1 July 2026, succeeding outgoing Chair Prof. Rosina Bierbaum.
In her remarks, Andersen underscored the importance of STAP’s role as pressure mounts on both science and the multilateral system. She emphasized that science remains “a foundation for cooperation” and a critical guide for collective action on increasingly interconnected environmental challenges.
Inger Andersen, Executive Director UN Environment Programme Photo: IISD/ENB
Andersen highlighted Dr Carr’s credentials, noting that his work is “strongly interdisciplinary, bridging environmental science, development policy, and implementation at multiple scales.” She added that his scientific leadership, deep understanding of STAP’s mandate, and credibility across the GEF partnership position him well to take on the role at a critical juncture.
Dr Carr, Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute’s US Centre since 2024, brings over two decades of experience across academia and international development, including work with USAID, the World Bank, the GEF and Clark University. He holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Kentucky and a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Syracuse University, with expertise focused on the intersection of climate adaptation, resilience, and development.
He previously served on STAP as the Panel Member for climate change adaptation from 2020 to 2024. In that role, he supported the GEF’s work under the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund, reviewing project proposals for quality and helping shape more effective and impactful investments.
Dr Carr also advanced the GEF’s programming by developing guidance for stronger project design and introducing new approaches to assess the benefits delivered by its adaptation portfolio. His contributions extended to cross-cutting work on behavioural change, pathways to transformative impact, and the use of simple scenario planning tools to support durable outcomes.
Hosted by UNEP, STAP is an independent panel of experts that provides the GEF with objective scientific and technical advice on its policies, strategies, programmes, and projects, helping ensure that environmental investments are grounded in the best available science. Operating at the heart of the GEF partnership, STAP bridges science and policy, reviewing projects, identifying emerging environmental risks and translating complex research into actionable guidance for governments and development partners.
Read more about Dr Carr's appointment:
👉Press Release by Stockholm Environment Institute’s US Centre
