Climate scientist Krishna AchutaRao dies at 62
Among his key contributions were determining the degree to which observed climatic change could be attributed to human activity
Krishna AchutaRao, a renowned climate and atmospheric scientist at the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences at IIT Delhi, passed away on September 4, 2026, at the age of 62. AchutaRao made significant contributions to understanding the extent to which human activity contributed to observed climatic changes, particularly in the Indian sub-regions.
His collaborative work with various scientists helped establish the link between global climate science and the regional risks faced by India. AchutaRao's passing is deeply mourned by his colleagues, including Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, who described him as a "warm, thoughtful friend" and a "genuine kind soul."
AchutaRao's expertise extended to applying AI tools in climate change and monsoon research. He was also a member of the World Climate Research Programme's Joint Scientific Committee since 2025. AchutaRao had spent two decades at IIT Delhi, serving as the Head of the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences and Dean (Faculty), and played a crucial role in establishing the institute's Centre of Excellence for Climate Change Adaptation.
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