Carl-Gustaf Rossby and Earth System Science

Carl-Gustaf Rossby was a central figure in the explosive development of modern meteorology during the 20^th century, but his contribution to the establishment of Earth System Science (ESS) was almost never mentioned. Here it is shown that Rossby should be considered as one of the key founders of ESS on account of his advocacy and his influence on his protégés, many of whom became key leaders of ESS during the 1980s.