Syukuro Manabe: "Why this is happening?" | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this video, Adam Smith from NobelPrize.org speaks with Professor Manabe, who has recently been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work in climate change. Professor Manabe expresses his surprise and appreciation for receiving the prize in a field unrelated to traditional physics. He discusses the importance of understanding climate change and explains his approach of using climate models to study the effects of different factors on the climate system. The conversation also touches upon Professor Manabe's early interest in meteorology and the evolution of weather forecasting and climate prediction from art to science.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was Professor Manabe's initial reaction to receiving the Nobel Prize?

Professor Manabe expresses his surprise and gratitude for receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics. He never expected to be recognized in this particular field, especially considering the nature of his work in climate change. However, he appreciates that the Swedish Academy of Science chose to highlight the importance of climate topics and recognizes the significance of his research.

Q: How did Professor Manabe use climate models in his research?

Professor Manabe constructed climate models and conducted numerical experiments by changing one factor at a time. This approach allowed him to understand the workings of the climate system and its impact on temperature change, rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events such as massive flooding and frequent droughts. By studying these changes, he aimed to uncover the underlying causes and mechanisms behind climate variations and the resulting implications for global climate change.

Q: Why does Professor Manabe consider understanding climate change important?

Professor Manabe believes that understanding climate change is crucial because it enables accurate predictions and informed decision-making. Without a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental science behind climate change, predictions become no better than fortune-telling. Given the significance and complexity of this topic, it is essential to have a solid scientific foundation to address the challenges and potential consequences associated with climate change.

Q: What led Professor Manabe to become interested in meteorology and climate?

During his time in graduate school at the University of Tokyo, Professor Manabe decided to focus on meteorology. He was drawn to the subject because, at that time, weather forecasting was considered more of an art rather than a science. However, the advent of computer technology and the pioneering work of scientists like von Neumann, who sought to apply the laws of physics to weather forecasting, inspired him. Witnessing the transformation from an intuitive approach to a scientific one intrigued and motivated Professor Manabe to pursue a career in meteorology and climate research.

Q: How has weather forecasting and climate prediction transformed over the course of Professor Manabe's career?

Professor Manabe has witnessed a significant shift in weather forecasting and climate prediction from being an art form to becoming a scientific discipline. In the past, weather forecasting relied on subjective judgments and historical data. However, advances in computer technology, alongside the application of the laws of physics and mathematical models, have revolutionized the field. Weather forecasting has become more accurate and essential for our daily lives. Climate prediction has also evolved with a stronger scientific basis, allowing us to better understand long-term climate trends and assess the impacts of climate change on a global scale.

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Takeaways (in one paragraph)

Professor Manabe's interview sheds light on the importance of understanding climate change and the role of scientific research in addressing this global challenge. His work, using climate models to analyze the effects of different factors on the climate system, has contributed significantly to our understanding of climate variations and their impacts. It is clear that weather forecasting and climate prediction have evolved from being intuitive and experience-based to becoming scientific disciplines, driven by advancements in computer technology and the application of physics. This transformation has enabled more accurate weather forecasts and improved long-term climate predictions, providing essential insights for policymakers and the general public in dealing with the complex issue of climate change.