Patrick J. Michaels (February 15, 1950 – July 15, 2022) was an American agricultural climatologist and prominent climate change skeptic. He served as Virginia's State Climatologist from 1980 to 2007 and was a research professor of environmental sciences at the University of Virginia during that period. Michaels was also a senior fellow in environmental studies at the Cato Institute until 2019, where he directed the Center for the Study of Science. He held positions such as past president of the American Association of State Climatologists and program chair for the Committee on Applied Climatology. Additionally, he advised organizations like the Heartland Institute and the American Legislative Exchange Council, and was a visiting scientist at the George C. Marshall Institute.

Michaels was a vocal critic of mainstream climate science, arguing that global warming models were flawed and that aggressive policy responses were unnecessary due to anticipated technological advancements. His views often aligned with libertarian and conservative think tanks, and he was criticized for receiving funding from oil companies and industry groups, with reports estimating significant contributions from ExxonMobil and others to support his skeptical positions. This led to accusations of bias, with outlets like SourceWatch labeling him a 'largely oil-funded global warming skeptic.' Despite controversies, Michaels published extensively in scientific journals including Nature, Geophysical Research Letters, and Journal of Climate, and was widely quoted in media debates on climate policy.

Throughout his career, Michaels influenced networks of influence in climate denial circles, contributing to reports and testimonies that shaped policy discussions. He was affiliated with the Cato Institute, where he promoted free-market approaches to environmental issues, and the Independent Institute. His work drew condemnation from environmental groups for downplaying climate risks, but he maintained that his analyses were based on empirical data. Michaels passed away in 2022, leaving a legacy as a key figure in skeptical climatology.