Warren M. Washington
Senior Scientist & Head of the Climate Change Research Section, Climate and Global Dynamics Division, The National Center for Atmospheric Research
Warren M. Washington is a senior scientist and head of the Climate Change Research Section in the Climate and Global Dynamics Division at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. This group uses state-of-the-art computer climate models to study present and future climate change. These models are made up of the atmospheric, ocean, land/vegetation, and sea ice components. His involvement in research for more than forty years has made him a much sought after individual for advice, testimony, and lecturing on global climate change. He has served on numerous committees and panels, among them the US President’s National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere from 1978-1984. He has had Presidential appointments under the Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and Bush Jr. administrations. More recently, he served on the National Science Board from 1994-2006 where he was Chair from 2002-2006. He has over 120 publications and co-authored with Claire Parkinson a book considered a standard reference on climate modeling—An Introduction to Three-Dimensional Climate Modeling (2005) and autobiography, Odyssey in Climate Modeling, Global Warming, and Advising Five Presidents. Dr. Washington has many awards, including Presidency of the American Meteorological Society (1994) and a member of the American Philosophical Society. Dr. Washington earned a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in meteorology from Oregon State University and his doctorate in meteorology at Pennsylvania State University. His current research involves use of the Parallel Climate Model (PCM) and the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) to study the impacts of climate change in the 21st century. The Parallel Climate Model is a DOE supported effort and the Community Climate System Model is supported by both the NSF and the DOE. Dr. Washington is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering.