Michael Becker
About Michael Becker
Michael Becker serves as the Communications Lead for 1t.Org at the World Economic Forum, focusing on polar and marine environments. He is an experienced technical diver and researcher with a background in science journalism and extensive fieldwork in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Work at World Economic Forum
Michael Becker has served as the Communications Lead for 1t.org at the World Economic Forum since 2020. He operates from Geneva, Switzerland, where he focuses on communication strategies that support the organization's mission to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy. His role involves engaging with various stakeholders to promote initiatives that address climate change and biodiversity.
Education and Expertise
Michael Becker holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology from McGill University, where he studied from 2004 to 2008. He further pursued a Ph.D. in Polar Ecology and Geomorphology at the same institution from 2011 to 2015. Additionally, he completed a Wilderness Emergency Medical Responder course at Wilderness Medical Associates in Canada in 2008, enhancing his skills in emergency medical response in remote environments.
Background
Michael Becker possesses dual Canadian and American citizenship and currently resides in Lausanne, Switzerland, under a Swiss B Permit. He is a highly trained technical diver with a CCR Mod-1 rebreather certification, specializing in polar diving. His extensive experience includes participating in 16 expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic, where he has focused on polar and marine environments.
Achievements in Science Communication
Michael Becker has a background in science journalism, having written for prominent outlets such as the New York Times and the BBC. His work in science communication includes roles as Science Communication Manager at Frontiers and Director & Researcher at the BBC, where he contributed to major wildlife series for networks like Netflix and National Geographic. His photography has also been published in various global outlets.
Research and Field Experience
Michael Becker has held various research positions, including as a Visiting Researcher at the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate at the University of Copenhagen and as an Antarctic Field Researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder. His research has focused on the evolution of permafrost polar landscapes and the effects of climate change on Arctic biodiversity and community patterns.