Warren M. Washington: NCAR Climate Scientist

A Short Biography

Warren M. Washington is an internationally recognized expert on atmospheric science and climate research. He specializes in computer modeling of Earth's climate. Currently, he is a senior scientist at NCAR and head of the Climate Change Research Section in the center’s Climate and Global Dynamics Division. Over the years, Washington has published more than 100 papers in professional journals, garnered dozens of national and international awards, and served as a science advisor to former presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton.

Climate modeling

Washington became one of the first developers of groundbreaking atmospheric computer models when he came to NCAR in the early 1960s. These models, which use fundamental laws of physics to predict future states of the atmosphere, have helped scientists understand climate change. As his research developed, Washington worked to incorporate the oceans and sea ice into climate models. Such models now include components that depict surface hydrology and vegetation as well as the atmosphere, oceans, and sea ice.

An Introduction to Three-Dimensional Climate Modeling, written by Washington and Claire Parkinson in 1986 and updated in 2005, is a standard reference in the field.

Washington’s current research involves using the Parallel Climate Model and the Community Climate System Model to study the impacts of climate change in the 21st century. Both models were used extensively in the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment, for which NCAR scientists, including Washington, and colleagues around the world shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

Education

Washington was born and grew up in Portland, Oregon. He became interested in science in grade school, going on to earn a bachelor's degree in physics and master’s degree in meteorology from Oregon State University. His next step was to Pennsylvania State University for a doctorate in meteorology. In 1963, he joined NCAR as a research scientist.

Diversity efforts

As the second African-American to earn a doctorate in the atmospheric sciences, Washington has served as a role model for generations of young researchers from many backgrounds. He has mentored dozens of graduate students, as well as undergraduates in the UCAR-based SOARS program (Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science). In 1999, Washington won the Dr. Charles Anderson Award from the American Meteorological Society “for pioneering efforts as a mentor and passionate support of individuals, educational programs, and outreach initiatives designed to foster a diverse population of atmospheric scientists.”

Warren's Autobiography

Published in 2006, authored by Warren and edited by Mary C. Washington, an Odyssey in Climate Modeling, Global Warming, and Advising Five Presidents provides an autobiographical journey through Warren Washington's life, from early experiences -- including the struggle for civil rights -- to his work advising U.S. Presidents on climate change. Warren's contributions not only to climate research and modeling, but additionally his tireless efforts to pave the way for greater diversity in the scientific fields, is an inspiring read. The book may be downloaded in PDF format, or purchased, at the following links.

Available via the LuLu website (PDF or Paperback copy)
Available via the NCAR Science Store (Paperback copy)

Service to scientists and policy makers

In 1994, President Clinton appointed Washington to a six-year term on the National Science Board, which helps oversee the National Science Foundation and advises the executive branch and Congress on science-related matters. Washington was nominated for a second six-year term in 2000. Two years later, the board elected him chair, re-electing him to a second term in 2004. In 2002, Washington was appointed to the Science Advisory Panel of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the National Academies of Science Coordinating Committee on Global Change.

From 1978 to 1984, Washington served on the President's National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere. He participated on several National Research Council panels and chaired the council’s advisory panel for Climate Puzzle, a film produced for the 1986 PBS television series Planet Earth.

Washington was a member of the Secretary of Energy's Advisory Board from 1990 to 1993 and has been on the Secretary of Energy's Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee (BERAC) since 1990. From 1996 to 2006, he served as the chair of BERAC’s subcommittee on global change.

Washington served as president of the American Meteorological Society, of which he is a fellow, in 1994.

Accomplishments and awards

In 1995, Washington received the French Meteorological Society’s Le Verrier Medal. He was inducted into the National Academy of Science’s Portrait Collection of African Americans in Science, Engineering, and Medicine in 1997. That same year, he was awarded the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Biological and Environmental Research Program Exceptional Service Award in atmospheric sciences for the development and application of advanced coupled atmospheric-ocean general circulation models to study the impacts of human activity on future climate.

Washington was a Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer from 1998 to 1999. In 1998, he delivered UCAR’s Walter Orr Roberts Distinguished Lecture. In 1999, he received the National Weather Service Modernization Award. Washington received the Celebrating 20th Century Pioneers in Atmospheric Sciences Award at Howard University in 2000, as well as the Colorado Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Award "in recognition of significant and unique contributions in the field of science."

In 2002, the National Academy of Engineering inducted Washington to its membership "for pioneering the development of coupled climate models, their use on parallel supercomputing architectures, and their interpretation." Washington was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2003 and received the Vollum Award for Distinguished Accomplishment in Science and Technology from Reed College in 2004. In 2007, he received the Charles Franklin Brooks Award from the American Meteorological Society. Also in 2007, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from DOE.