George Taylor Sets the Record Straight
George Taylor, Oregon State Climatologist and manager of the Oregon Climate Service at OSU, explained his reasons for retiring in his bi-weekly newspaper column, Weather Matters [here]. As usual, George was more than gracious. We post his recent column in full:
Setting the record straight
by George Taylor, February 24, 2008
By now you’ve probably heard the news. After nearly 19 years at OSU, I’m retiring.
Unfortunately, some things being said (and written) about me are either inaccurate or misleading, so I’m going to take this opportunity to set the record straight.
“Taylor calls himself the state climatologist”
Yes, and I call myself George, because that’s what my parents named me. And in 1991, Steve Esbensen, chair of the Atmospheric Sciences Department at OSU, appointed me as State Climatologist (SC).
Originally, the SC position was a Federal one, but those were eliminated in 1973. States were urged to appoint their own SC, and Oregon did so in 1978. As in the case of most SC programs, Oregon’s position was a faculty appointment at the land grant university. Very few were appointed by Governors. Larry Gates, Allan Murphy and Kelly Redmond preceded me as SC at OSU. I arrived here in 1989, when Kelly left. In 1991, when the SC received state funding for the first time, Steve appointed me.
By the way, George Keller of OSU and legislators Cliff Trow and Tony Van Vliet were instrumental in getting funding for the office. Senator Trow sponsored the funding bill.
“Taylor doesn’t believe in global warming.”
Sure I do, and global cooling as well. Climate varies all the time, on a variety of time scales.
I believe that climate changes as a result of a combination of natural variations and human effects (including, but not limited to, greenhouse gases). But in my opinion, past changes in climate (in Oregon and elsewhere) are more consistent with natural variations than with increases in greenhouse gases.
That doesn’t mean things won’t change in the future. That doesn’t mean we “shouldn’t do anything.” But based on looking at climate data for many years, I am convinced that the effects of things like tropical Pacific ocean conditions and solar radiation has dominated our climate, at least in the Northwest.
“Taylor was probably asked to resign.”
Nope. I’m leaving on my own, and the decision was mine (in consultation with my wife, Cindy, of course). Here’s why:
1. In 2003, I was diagnosed with cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation followed. Also baldness (temporarily). Things look great now. But cancer really got my attention!
2. Last summer I turned 60. That got my attention as well.
I started wondering “shall I keep doing what I’m doing, or do something else for the rest of my career?” I decided on the latter.
I’m going to start a small consulting business. Initially, at least, I’ll focus primarily on a type of storm analysis called “Probable Maximum Precipitation” (PMP).
PMP is required whenever a dam or large water containment structure is built or relicensed. PMP helps determine the maximum flood that might be expected, and this in turn determines how big and strong the dam needs to be. A very important application of weather and climate, for sure, and not many scientists are qualified to assess PMP. That will probably keep me busy.
And I’m hoping for other new and interesting pursuits. I may be retiring from OSU, but not from weather and climate studies.
And MVS [Mid-Valley Sunday] Editor Hasso Hering has invited me to continue writing my bi-weekly columns, something I have very much enjoyed.
It’s been a fun ride, but I’m not going to stop riding. I’m just going to get on a different horse.
We wish George Taylor all the best. He deserves and has earned it. His dedication and expertise are unmatched. George is much loved in the community for his character, devotion, and community service far beyond climate and weather concerns. That will not change.
We also wish the best for the Oregon Climate Service, but fear that organization is headed downhill fast.
