William W. Kellogg
American Meteorological Society Oral History Project
The American Meteorological Society Oral History Project (AMSOHP) aims to capture the history of the atmospheric sciences as told by scientists, administrators, and others working in the field. The collection is especially rich in interviews that capture the memories of scientists who launched much of the innovative meteorological research in post-war America.
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On August 18, 1988, Earl Droessler interviewed William W. Kellogg at his home in Boulder, Colorado, as part of a broader investigation into the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and its activities, particularly during Kellogg's presidency. Kellogg reflects on his pivotal role in advancing atmospheric sciences and fostering collaboration between the AMS and other scientific organizations. He discusses his leadership within AMS, including his work bridging relationships with the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and promoting multidisciplinary approaches to climate research. During his presidency, Kellogg helped address the environmental impact of supersonic transports on the ozone layer and contributed to early studies on climate change, alongside colleagues from various scientific disciplines. He recalls the impact of the 1970s environmental studies, which underscored humanity's ability to alter the climate, and his involvement in the "Study of Man's Impact on Climate" outside Stockholm. Kellogg also highlights the AMS's growing role in climate change research, including the establishment of new committees and publications focused on climate science. He discusses the AMS's efforts to make meteorology a more accessible and international field, including his contributions to the World Meteorological Organization and his involvement in the first scientific visit to China by American meteorologists. Kellogg’s career journey, which began as a physics graduate and meteorologist in the Air Force, evolved into a significant academic and research trajectory, including his tenure at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). He continued to work in climate change research after his retirement, emphasizing the need for understanding the effects of climate shifts on soil moisture and agriculture.
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