Serge Payette, C.M., C.Q.
Saint-Jean-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, Quebec
Serge Payette is one of the first scientists to document the impacts of climate change. Biologist and professor at Université Laval, he refined dendrochronology, the method of tree-ring dating, leading to a greater understanding of the evolution of Quebec’s forest cover. In addition to revealing the accelerated thawing of permafrost, he has demonstrated the impact that forest fires, weather conditions and other environmental factors have on northern vegetation. Author of an essential botanical reference work, he has conveyed the vitality of the northern flora of Quebec and Labrador.