Black History Month: Honoring Warren Washington

T4CI is saluting some of the most influential African-American environmentalists and sustainability professionals during Black History Month.

Today we honor Warren Washington.

Washington is an internationally recognized expert in atmospheric sciences and climate research specializing in computer modeling of the Earth’s climate. In recent years he has served his science in a broad range of capacities. He was appointed to the National Science Board in 1994, reappointed in 2000, and became chair from 2002-2006.

Global climate models developed by Dr. Washington were used in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 2007 assessment for which atmospheric scientists, including Dr. Washington, won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

In addition to pioneering research in climate change, Dr. Washington also strove for social change within the science community.

As the second African-American to receive a Ph.D within the atmospheric sciences, Dr. Washington strove to increase scientific opportunities for young researchers from many different backgrounds, including women and minorities. Throughout the years, he served as a science advisor to former Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., and Clinton.

On November 17, 2010, Dr. Washington received the National Medal of Science from President Barack Obama at the White House. The National Medal of Science is the highest honor given by the US government to the nation’s scientists, engineers, and inventors.