Berrien Moore III, a towering figure in the realm of climate science, succumbed to illness on December 17 in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 83. The news of his passing was confirmed by his daughter, Leila A.C. Moore.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Moore made remarkable contributions to both theoretical and practical aspects of earth sciences, significantly shaping our understanding of climate change. His commitment to translating complex scientific ideas into digestible formats for the public was exemplified by his founding of a nonprofit news organization dedicated to environmental reporting. Besides, he frequently shared his expertise before Congress, advocating for awareness and action on climate issues.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 12, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Berrien Moore Jr., an accomplished golfer, and Mary Large Moore, who hosted television programs, he pursued an exceptional academic path. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina in 1963 and a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Virginia in 1969, Dr. Moore joined the faculty at the University of New Hampshire.

Pioneering Contributions

In an era where most researchers viewed their disciplines as localized, Dr. Moore broke new ground by applying mathematics to study the earth’s systems. His work paved the way for a revolutionary understanding of the interconnectedness of global climatic factors. Robert Corell, an oceanographer and a peer of Dr. Moore, revealed how Moore's insights helped shift perspectives in the scientific community.

Computational Advances and Recognition

Dr. Moore's career unfolded during the rise of supercomputers, which were rare and highly coveted for processing vast datasets, crucial for climate research. Remembered for his tenacity, Dr. Moore competed for computing time at the University of New Hampshire with Jochen Heisenberg, son of Nobel laureate Werner Heisenberg.

Legacy in Climate Change

A pioneer in recognizing human-induced climate change, his interdisciplinary approach played a vital role in forming the scientific consensus regarding climate issues. “He was instrumental in popularizing the world as a system,” shared Charles Vorosmarty, a longtime colleague and the founding director of the Environmental Sciences Initiative in New York.

Service to NASA and Beyond

His contributions led him to NASA, where he served on the space and earth advisory committee from 1984 and became chairman in 1988, holding the post until 1992. He was awarded the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal in 1992, an acknowledgment of his significant impact on climate science.

Founding Climate Central

In 2008, Dr. Moore left the University of New Hampshire to establish Climate Central, a nonprofit organization that bridges the gap between climate science and the media. As a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s third report in 2001, he contributed to a groundbreaking document that was pivotal to global climate discussions—an effort recognized with a shared Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, awarded alongside Al Gore.

Later Career and Contributions

After joining the University of Oklahoma in 2010 as the dean of the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences, Dr. Moore continued his impactful work, becoming director of the National Weather Center. He received accolades for his contributions to atmospheric sciences, including the NOAA Administrator’s Award for his leadership from 2004 to 2005.

Innovative Projects and Challenges

Dr. Moore was notably the architect of the Geostationary Carbon Cycle Observatory, slated to be launched in the early 2020s before its cancellation in 2022, although the instrument was still delivered to NASA in 2023. This mission aimed to measure shifts in the global carbon cycle and assess plant health across the Americas.

Confronting Political Distortions

Throughout his life, Dr. Moore witnessed the distressing distortion of climate science by political entities with ties to fossil fuel interests. Reflecting on these challenges, he poignantly remarked on the critical need to confront misconceptions regarding human impact on climate change.

Legacy and Impact

Berrien Moore III leaves behind an indelible legacy as a champion of climate science. His pioneering spirit, advocacy for truth in science, and commitment to educating the public will resonate for generations to come. As society grapples with the pressing realities of climate change, his pioneering insights remain more relevant than ever.