Dr. Michaels, who spent decades as a professor of environmental sciences at the University of Virginia and as Virginia’s state climatologist, was one of the most prominent contrarian voices in political and policy discussions surrounding climate change. … [W]ith his combination of academic bona fides, his state title and his flair in the boxing ring of policy debate — he described former vice president Al Gore, a leading climate change activist, as a ‘scientist wannabe’ and denounced the ‘self-selected community of climate boffins’ and ‘keepers of the environmental-gloom paradigm’ — Dr. Michaels proved an often effective champion of his cause.