Arlene Blum
Arlene Blum, PhD, biophysical chemist, author, and mountaineer is a Visiting Scholar in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, and executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute. The Institute brings government, industry, scientists, and citizens groups together worldwide to support chemical policies that protect human health and the global environment. Arlene’s research and policy work has contributed to the prevention of billions of pounds of harmful flame-retardant chemicals in children’s sleepwear, furniture, electronics, and other products worldwide. Her current “mountain,” which she considers her life’s most challenging and important, is to educate decision-makers in industry and government about reducing the use of entire classes of the most harmful chemicals.
Arlene led the first American—and all-women’s—ascent of Annapurna I, considered one of the world’s most dangerous and difficult mountains; co-led the first women’s team to climb Denali; completed the Great Himalayan Traverse across the mountain regions of Bhutan, Nepal, and India; and hiked the length of the European Alps with her baby daughter on her back. She is the author of Annapurna: A Woman’s Place and Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life. Her recognitions include the 2014 Wheeler Medal given to the city of Berkeley’s “most useful citizen,” selection by the UK Guardian as one of the world’s 100 most inspiring women, National Women’s History Project selection as one of 100 “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet,” selection as an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, and election to the Hall of Mountaineering Excellence.
Arlene received her PhD in biophysical chemistry from UC Berkeley and has taught at UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and Wellesley College. She currently serves on the advisory boards for Environmental Building News and the Plastic Pollution Coalition.
More about Arlene:
- Learn more about Arlene at www.greensciencepolicy.org and www.arleneblum.com.
Books: