Rajendra K. Pachauri (20 August 1940 – 13 February 2020) was an Indian engineer and economist known for his work on energy, environment and climate policy. He served as director-general of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and as the chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) from 2002 until his resignation in 2015. His leadership at the IPCC coincided with a period of heightened public attention to climate science and policy.

Career and contributions

Pachauri combined technical training with administrative and policy roles, promoting research and public discussion on sustainable energy and climate change. Under his stewardship TERI expanded its research, outreach and capacity-building activities across India and internationally. As chair of the IPCC he coordinated assessments that summarized peer-reviewed climate research for policymakers, a role that brought the panel global visibility. During his tenure the IPCC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 (shared with Al Gore), an acknowledgement of the panel's influence on public understanding of climate risks.

Education and professional background

Trained as an engineer and with expertise in economics and energy systems, Pachauri worked across academic, industrial and research institutions before leading TERI and the IPCC. He published on energy policy, environmental management and sustainable development and engaged with governments, industry and civil society to promote low-carbon options and better resource management.

Controversy and resignation

In February 2015 Pachauri was accused of sexual harassment. The allegations prompted police and institutional inquiries and led to his stepping down from the IPCC chairmanship later that month. The accusations and their handling became part of public debate about conduct, governance and due process in international organizations and research institutions.

Death and legacy

Pachauri died on 13 February 2020 in a hospital in New Delhi due to complications following heart surgery. He left a complex legacy: credited by many for raising the profile of climate science and for promoting energy research, while his career was also marked by controversy. His tenure drew attention to the challenges of managing large, interdisciplinary institutions that operate at the interface of science and policy.

  • Key roles: Director-General of TERI; Chair of the IPCC (2002–2015).
  • Notable moment: IPCC shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 during his chairmanship.
  • Later events: Resignation in 2015 amid allegations and subsequent inquiries.

Discussion of Pachauri's life and work typically balances recognition for his contributions to climate policy and energy research with scrutiny over the controversies that affected the final years of his public career.