Warren M. Washington
Tyler Prize Laureate 2019
Modeling the future of our climate — and opening doors for the next generation
Quick Facts
Born: August 28, 1936, Portland, Oregon, United States
Affiliation at the time of the award: National Center for Atmospheric Research
Environmental achievement: Recognized for pioneering the development, and wide use of global climate models to understand the role of human activities and natural processes contributing to global climate change, mentoring generations of atmospheric scientists, and championing a diverse and inclusive science and engineering workforce.
Get to know Warren M. Washington
What if we could predict the future of our planet’s climate — and ensure more voices shape that future?
Over six decades, his work became a cornerstone of global climate science, helping the world understand how rising greenhouse gas emissions alter long-term weather patterns. But Washington’s legacy extends far beyond technical breakthroughs.
As an advisor to six U.S. presidents, a leader on nearly 100 science boards and policy committees, and the second African-American to earn a PhD in meteorology, he became a powerful advocate for inclusive science — mentoring countless students and working to open the field to underrepresented groups.
That question guided Dr. Warren M. Washington, one of the founding figures of modern climate modeling. In the 1960s, using early supercomputers, Washington developed groundbreaking simulations that could capture Earth’s vast and interconnected systems — oceans, sea ice, land surfaces, and atmosphere — long before “climate change” became a household term.
Over six decades, his work became a cornerstone of global climate science, helping the world understand how rising greenhouse gas emissions alter long-term weather patterns. But Washington’s legacy extends far beyond technical breakthroughs.
Celebrating a Pioneer in Atmospheric Science
In 2019, the Tyler Prize community gathered in San Francisco to honor Warren Washington’s pioneering leadership and lifelong commitment to both climate science and scientific equity. The celebration included a Laureate Conversation and award event that brought together scientists, students, and global changemakers.
