The summer season is always a time of heightened weather risks, but imagine facing those dangers without the critical information needed to stay safe. This scenario could become a reality if the Trump administration continues its assault on science, particularly the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS).
As we enter Danger Season, a period from May to October when extreme weather events are at their peak in the US, the threat of severe weather colliding with climate change looms large. The administration’s proposed cuts to NOAA in the President’s budget could leave communities vulnerable to the destructive forces of hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
One of the most alarming impacts of these cuts is the grounding of weather balloons, a vital tool for monitoring weather conditions at higher altitudes. The reduction in weather balloon launches has already led to degraded forecasting and delays in issuing emergency alerts. Without this crucial data, forecasters may struggle to accurately predict and respond to rapidly evolving weather events like tornado outbreaks.
Additionally, the firing of Meteorologists-in-Charge (MIC) across the country is further eroding the NWS’s ability to provide timely and accurate weather forecasts. With 30 WFOs lacking MICs, nearly 78 million people in 796 counties are left without experienced leadership in weather forecasting, increasing the risk of uncertainty and degradation in life-saving services.
The Trump administration’s cuts extend beyond NOAA and the NWS to agencies like FEMA and HUD, further jeopardizing disaster response and recovery efforts. State and local governments will face financial strain as they grapple with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The intersection of the climate crisis and affordable housing crisis will leave vulnerable communities at heightened risk.
Despite the administration’s attempts to downplay the role of climate change in worsening extreme weather events, the connection is clear. The fossil fuel industry’s influence on policy decisions is hindering progress towards clean energy and resilience-building solutions.
As Danger Season unfolds, it is imperative for Congress to step up and protect vital agencies like NOAA and FEMA from further attacks. Reversing cuts, investing in resilience measures, and holding bad actors accountable are essential steps to safeguarding communities from the escalating impacts of climate change.
The relentless pace of climate change demands science-based solutions to keep us safe. Take action to protect NOAA and FEMA from dismantling and ensure that we have the resources needed to navigate a climate-changed world.
References:
– Stop the Trump Administration from dismantling FEMA
– Protect NOAA: Our Safety in a Climate-Changed World Depends on It
The danger is real, but with the right actions, we can work towards a safer and more resilient future.
