Berrien Moore III
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Oral Histories
The interviews in this collection were selected from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Oral History Program, which contains interviews with aerospace legends, analyses of key events, aerospace chronologies, and more. The interviews included here are those that relate specifically to NOAA's mission.
For more information and to explore the larger collection, visit NASA's Oral Histories.
Dr. Berrien Moore III is a distinguished figure in the field of Earth system science, with a career marked by significant contributions to the understanding of our planet's complex systems. His journey into Earth system science began with his early involvement in the Earth Observing System, a program pivotal in advancing global environmental monitoring. Dr. Moore's experiences at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a leading center for oceanographic research, further solidified his expertise in the field. He played a crucial role in the development of the Complex Systems Research Center, an institution dedicated to the study of intricate environmental systems. His work has been instrumental in shaping the Earth Science program at an institute in New Hampshire, where he fostered the growth of the program and contributed to the internationalization of Earth science research. Despite opportunities abroad, such as a directorship in Vienna and at Woods Hole, Dr. Moore chose to join a think tank at Princeton, focusing on climate and climate communication. His commitment to addressing climate change is evident in his advocacy for rationality and attention to the issue, as well as his emphasis on the importance of Earth system science. Dr. Moore's career is marked by a dedication to enhancing our understanding of Earth's systems and the need for innovative approaches to space exploration and research.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Dr. Berrien Moore III offers an in-depth look at the evolution of Earth system science and the political, scientific, and communicative challenges faced in the field of climate research. Dr. Moore recounts his foundational role in the Earth Observing System and the complexities encountered while working on the Earth System Science report, including budget constraints and mission structure compromises. He highlights the significance of early internet communication tools, such as tele-mail, in fostering a collaborative community and facilitating difficult decision-making processes. The interview also delves into the international growth of Earth science research and Dr. Moore's personal career decisions, which led him to prioritize climate communication and regional climate studies at a university setting. Dr. Moore expresses his concerns about the increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 due to human activity, the stagnation in altering public perception of climate change, and the urgency for improved understanding and prediction of future climate issues. He discusses the repercussions of budget cuts on weather forecasting, the interplay of different agencies in climate research, and the necessity for regional climate studies.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.