John Schmerfeld (he/him)

John has been a public servant for 32 years and holds degrees in engineering, biology, and ecology. In his current role, John is tasked by the FWS Director to ensure the FWS intentionally and durably supports all aspects of the Department’s Climate Action Plan. He coordinates and amplify FWS efforts to address climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.

Learn more about climate change and adaptation.

John also advises the FWS Directorate on all related efforts including all FWS lands, waters, facilities, and staff. John provides guidance to FWS staff and facilitate informed decision-making following the Resist, Accept, Direct decision framework (RAD) - as well as - the Nature Based Solutions (NBS) criteria. John also acts as the centralized hub for all matters related to implementing and monitoring the progress of the FWS’ Climate Change Action Program (CCAP).