John Perona holds degrees in chemical engineering, biophysical chemistry, and environmental law, and is author of over 100 peer-reviewed articles in these fields. He teaches classes in climate science and policy (Chem 410/510), synthetic biology (Chem 496/596) and biochemistry (Chem 350, 490/590, 491/591, 492/592). Dr. Perona is affiliated with the Center for Life in Extreme Environments (CLEE) at PSU.
Research and Scholarly Interests
Integrating science, law and policy for sustainability
The fruits of scientific endeavor reach into almost every corner of society, making a basic understanding of science essential to governance. However, effective science-based policymaking is hampered by widespread scientific illiteracy, both in the general public and among legal and public policy professionals. Also, while it is often stated that law and policy should stand on the “best available science”, substantial obstacles to maintaining scientific integrity in government persist. Sustaining a long-term nonpartisan focus on improving science and technology-based policymaking remains a major challenge in the US today.
Dr. Perona integrates his expertise in science and law to address how advances in science and technology can be incorporated into policymaking, focusing on climate change, the transition to a renewable energy economy, and biotechnology. Recent investigations include analysis of a new state law for groundwater conservation in California, critical review of current US policies for the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture, and a detailed analysis of the science and policy for developing renewable transportation fuels, including biodiesel and renewable diesel production from algae.
Dr. Perona is author of From Knowledge to Power (K2P): The Comprehensive Handbook for Climate Science and Advocacy, and maintains the website at www.fromknowledgetopower.com. This text is suitable for undergraduate and professional courses in climate science, policy, and politics, and for adult education in healthy climate advocacy. A chapter-by-chapter curriculum guide is separately published and available for download on the book website.
Dr. Perona is founder of Earthward, a weekly nonpartisan newsletter covering events in the climate and renewable energy space, which launched in summer 2023. Early editions feature articles on solar geoengineering, climate doomism, hydrogen, offshore wind, and the Montana youth climate case. Earthward is published on Substack and the K2P book website.
Dr. Perona has engaged in community outreach through his work with Citizens Climate Education, a nonpartisan group that advocates a national fee & dividend carbon pricing policy to address climate change. He regularly works with healthy climate advocates in Oregon to influence the legislature and executive branch agencies in favor of renewable energy and healthy climate policies.
Internships are available for undergraduate or graduate students seeking to gain experience in legal and
technical research and writing in the areas of climate change, renewable energy and biotechnology.