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Year:1962
Who: Dr. Warren Washington
Where: National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado
What: Dr. Warren Washington is a leading expert in climate research, renowned for his groundbreaking work in developing computer climate models that assess the impact of human activities on future climate patterns. Over the course of his career, Dr. Washington's pioneering research has played a crucial role in the development of climate models used globally to predict weather trends, assess climate risks, and guide policy decisions.
Dr. Washington's passion for science began early in his life, and he pursued his interest in physics at Oregon State University, where he was drawn to meteorology as part of the physics department. He earned a doctorate in meteorology, becoming only the second African American in the U.S. to do so. In the 1960s and 1970s, climate science was in its infancy, and Washington's work focused on developing computer models to simulate atmospheric conditions, laying the foundation for the field of climate modeling. In 1978, the Department of Energy provided funding for research into climate change linked to rising levels of carbon dioxide, marking a pivotal moment in the study of global warming.
As part of the team at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Dr. Washington worked alongside colleagues to create climate models that integrated mathematical and physical principles to predict the effects of increasing carbon emissions. These models, which have since become essential tools in climate science, are used to forecast weather patterns, assess environmental risks, and inform policy decisions. His work with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) contributed to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the IPCC and former Vice President Al Gore.
Dr. Washington's influence extends beyond the scientific community, having advised six U.S. Presidents on climate change issues. His legacy includes numerous awards, such as the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the U.S. National Medal of Science, and his work continues to be a cornerstone in the ongoing fight against climate change.
Sources:
Websites:
CDP. (n.d.). Dr. Warren Washington: Pioneering scientist on the birth of climate modeling and advising six presidents. https://www.cdp.net/en/articles/climate/dr-warren-washington-pioneering-scientist-on-the-birth-of-climate-modeling-and-advising-six-presidents
Forbes. (2018, February 2). Dr. Warren Washington: A pioneering Black climate scientist that overcame more than skepticism. https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2018/02/02/dr-warren-washington-a-pioneering-black-climate-scientist-that-overcame-more-than-skepticism/
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