Adam holds a Ph.D. in human rights and sustainable development from the University of Birmingham and is a professor at Columbia where he uses his expertise to teach about climate policy and campaigning. He has been featured in The New York Times, Wall St Journal, Fortune, MSNBC and ABC, and is a frequent contributor to TIME and a regular commentator on climate issues for CNN. He has also brought his climate messages to entertainment and music outlets including MTV, Rolling Stone, People, Pollstar, Grammy.com and The Hollywood Reporter.

He also works closely with the US Congress and the White House on bipartisan efforts to promote renewable energy policies in the U.S. Internationally, he serves as a celebrity advocate for the United Nations Development Programme, raising awareness about climate issues. 

As the founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Planet Reimagined, Adam develops research and fosters change locally and internationally. Planet Reimagined trains and engages the climate leaders of the future, using media and entertainment platforms along with strategic advocacy to mobilize climate action.