Warren M. Washington: A Pioneer in Climate Science

Warren M. Washington, a groundbreaking scientist renowned for his role in developing one of the earliest computer models of the Earth’s atmosphere, passed away on October 18 at his residence in Denver. He was 88 years old. His death was confirmed by a spokesperson from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), where Dr. Washington served as a senior scientist for over five decades.

Dr. Washington was a pioneer in multiple respects. Born to a Pullman-car porter in Portland, Oregon, he distinguished himself as the second Black individual in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in meteorology. His contributions to climate science were not only significant but also transformative, as he advised five U.S. presidents on the critical issue of climate change and served as a mentor to countless researchers who came after him.

In 1964, the same year he received his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University, Dr. Washington, alongside his colleague Akira Kasahara at the NCAR, developed a computer model that simulated various aspects of the Earth’s atmosphere and climate. Built on the limited capabilities of an early computer, this model was revolutionary, allowing scientists to demonstrate the impacts of human-induced changes on our planet.

Reflecting on his pioneering work, Dr. Washington noted in a 2006 interview for The HistoryMakers, an online archive dedicated to documenting the experiences of significant Black Americans, “The models that we started with in 1964 were very primitive. The early models were simple atmosphere models. Then we added oceans. Then we added sea ice. Then we added land surface vegetation.”

Through his innovative work and dedication, Dr. Washington not only advanced the field of meteorology but also laid the groundwork for future climate research, influencing generations of scientists in the ongoing battle against climate change.