A prominent climate scientist from Britain, Professor Sir Brian Hoskins, has received the prestigious Japan Prize, an international scientific accolade recognizing individuals globally for their exceptional and original contributions to advancing peace and prosperity. Sir Brian, an Emeritus Professor of Meteorology at the University of Reading and Chair of the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, shares the Japan Prize in the categories of Resources, Energy, the Environment, and Social Infrastructure. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Tokyo in the esteemed presence of the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Having been affiliated with the University of Reading since 1971, Professor Sir Brian was acknowledged for his research that played a pivotal role in establishing a scientific framework for comprehending and predicting extreme weather events. Expressing his joy and gratitude for being honored with the Japan Prize, he emphasized his desire to share this recognition with his supportive family, collaborators, and students. Additionally, he extended acknowledgment to the University of Reading and its Meteorology department, where the majority of his research endeavors have taken place.
Over 50 years ago, when I initiated my research in weather and climate, it marked a period of remarkable opportunities. The understanding of atmospheric behavior was rich with experience, and advancements in computers and atmospheric science allowed for the development and utilization of computer models akin to laboratory models. This aimed to bridge the substantial gap between existing theories and the observation of weather systems and planetary-scale atmospheric motion. During this time, there were indications that improvements in weather forecasting skills across various time scales were achievable. Moreover, within the climate science community, there was a growing recognition of the possibility of significant climate change attributed to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
