Joe Romm, a physicist and prominent figure in the climate change discourse, died by suicide on September 14 in Washington at the age of 66. His former wife, Patricia Sinicropi, confirmed his death and noted his struggles with mental health in recent years.

Romm earned his doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and emerged in the mid-2000s as a significant voice in environmental policy. He was known for his detailed analysis and forthright critiques, often conveyed through his blog, Climate Progress, hosted by the Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank where he was a fellow. His ability to translate complex scientific and policy details into accessible language garnered respect from policymakers and experts alike.

“He was trusted to accurately convey complex issues while explaining them in understandable terms,” said Michael Mann, director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability and the Media.

Throughout his career, Romm advocated for an urgent and pragmatic approach to combating climate change, emphasizing the deployment of available technologies rather than waiting for future innovations. He was an early and vocal proponent of electric vehicles, challenging initiatives such as President George W. Bush’s hydrogen car program, which he criticized as unrealistic and symbolic rather than effective. His 2004 book, “The Hype About Hydrogen,” argued that such projects often served special interests by postponing difficult but necessary climate actions.

Romm was known for his rigorous scrutiny, not only confronting climate change skeptics and the fossil fuel industry but also critiquing those within the environmental movement when he perceived a lack of urgency. Andrew Revkin, a veteran climate journalist, described Romm as “a hyperactive, very aggressive critic” who was quick to challenge any position he viewed as flawed.

In addition to his written work, Romm was dedicated to improving public understanding of climate science. His 2015 book, “Climate Change: What Everyone Needs to Know,” became a widely used resource for those seeking clear answers about climate policy. More recently, he explored communication strategies through a podcast with his daughter Antonia, analyzing the storytelling techniques of pop musician Taylor Swift.

Born in Middletown, New York, in 1960, Romm’s father was a newspaper editor and his mother an environmental technology executive. Initially focused on nuclear security issues early in his career, Romm shifted to energy and climate topics following the Cold War. He held various government roles, including at the Department of Energy, and led the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions before joining the Center for American Progress.

In 2019, Romm co-founded Front Page Live, a progressive news aggregation site, serving as editor in chief. In 2023, he joined the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Center as a senior research fellow.

Mann summarized Romm’s impact: “There’s nobody else who brought all of these interlocking talents and proclivities together the way he did. That gave him such a unique voice, and it’s a voice that we sorely could use today.”

Romm is survived by his daughter Antonia, his former wife Patricia Sinicropi, and his brother Dan.