The Norman Transcript

March 21, 2010

Washington to speak on weather

Transcript Staff
The Norman Transcript

Norman — Climate researcher Warren Washington will speak on various aspects of past and future climate change.

Washington, 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, will present “20th- and 21st-Century Climate Change: Computer Modeling, Societal Impacts and Environmental Justice.”

The lecture is at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the National Weather Center, Room 1313, University of Oklahoma Research Campus, 120 David L. Boren Blvd.

His lecture is free and open to the public as part of the Tzvi Gal-Chen Memorial Lecture series.

Washington will review recently observed 20th-century climate change in comparison with climate simulations that extend through the 21st century and beyond. He also will present computer simulations of the future climate change that could emerge from a low-carbon emission scenario, such as if we were to shift from a fossil fuel-based energy strategy to one with increased conservation and renewable energy. A discussion will follow on the scientific uncertainties and societal impacts that could occur, as well as an analysis of policy options and the issue of environmental justice.

Washington is the 15th honorary lecturer in the Tzvi Gal-Chen lecture series, named after an outstanding OU meteorologist who died in 1994.