[6] At Harvard, he used Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy to discover and categorize the quantum-mechanical rotational spectra of several cyanopolyynes which were subsequently found in interstellar clouds.
Kalmus's recent research centers on cloud physics, specifically improving basic understanding of marine stratocumulus clouds[15] and severe convective weather such as tornadoes[16] with the goal of improving projections of how these phenomena will change as the planet heats, using remote sensing data, in situ data, and models.
He is the principal investigator on a NASA grant to study the projected future of the world's coral reefs with greater accuracy and higher resolution.
[37] In late‑2021, Kalmus likened his own experiences pushing for greater recognition of the climate problem with those of the two fictional astronomers portrayed in the comedy film Don't Look Up.
[38] Kalmus, along with other climate activists, chained himself to the main doors of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport private jet terminal on November 10, 2022.
AGU removed their research presentations from the meeting, banned them from participation, launched a misconduct inquiry, and complained to Abramoff's employer, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
[42] On April 6, 2022, Kalmus was arrested, along with a physicist, an engineer and a science teacher,[43] for chaining himself to the door of the JP Morgan Chase building in Los Angeles, protesting the bank's investments in new fossil fuel projects.
[44] Writing in The Guardian in April 2022, Kalmus advocated civil disobedience following the release of the final IPCC Working Group III report.
[45] He is pushing for the American Geophysical Union to support earth scientists who choose to fly less out of climate concerns, with remote participation options at conferences.
[46] Kalmus was a lead organizer on two letters written in support of school striking youth, one from US Earth scientists[47] and one from international scholars.
It aims to help users reduce their emissions, shift culture with their reductions, and engage in other forms of climate activism such as protest and civil disobedience.
He received the NASA Early Career Achievement Medal and three Jet Propulsion Laboratory Voyager Awards for his work in Earth science.