We have entered Danger Season 2026, spanning from May to October, a time when North America faces its most severe climate impacts. During this period, disinformation is expected to surge across social media and other platforms. Maintaining what I refer to as the “safety chain” is crucial now more than ever. A robust safety chain ensures we can anticipate, prepare for, and efficiently recover from extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.
Regrettably, every link in this chain has been compromised by actions of the Trump administration, especially by Russell Vought, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Actions such as slashing funds, dismissing scientists, avoiding oversight, and disseminating disinformation have all weakened this chain. The combination of climate change impacts with an administration that undermines scientific integrity multiplies the risks during Danger Season.
What constitutes the “safety chain?”
The “safety chain” is a framework designed to protect us during Danger Season and climate-related disasters. It is built on accurate data that translates into clear and understandable weather forecasts. These forecasts, when communicated by trusted sources, enhance public awareness and enable communities to prepare, respond, and recover effectively.
Who is disrupting the safety chain?
The Trump administration has halted the collection of data and support for research vital to understanding our climate system. This undermines federal climate research and weather forecasting. Additionally, the administration has been actively spreading disinformation about climate science, echoing long-standing narratives from the fossil fuel industry.
President Trump, during a prior administration, refused to correct a mistake in a hurricane forecast, leading to the “SharpieGate” incident. Misrepresenting a hurricane’s path weakens the credibility of meteorologists and other science communicators, reducing public trust.
During a turbulent 15 months for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Trump administration, the agency experienced a loss of skilled leadership, replaced by less qualified individuals, which has impacted its effectiveness.
President Trump has withheld and denied disaster assistance to certain states and sought to terminate FEMA initiatives, like the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. However, following federal court orders, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a funding notice for $1 billion from the $4.6 billion available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).
Prior to the onset of Danger Season, FEMA’s disaster response funds were critically low and received an essential boost after Congress ended the DHS shutdown. Despite an average forecast for the Atlantic hurricane season, it is likely Congress will need to provide additional funding mid-season.
Cameron Hamilton, a nominee for FEMA administrator, admitted to spreading misinformation about the agency on social media. His nomination raises concerns about the agency’s future capabilities.
Due to the Trump administration’s reductions in jobs, unstable leadership, and resource cuts, FEMA is now less prepared to tackle the increasing frequency and severity of weather and climate disasters.
How does disinformation undermine the safety chain?
During disasters intensified by climate change, fossil fuel companies, political actors, and related media networks have repeatedly spread or amplified disinformation that diminishes public understanding, erodes trust in institutions, and reduces support for climate and disaster-response measures. These deceptive messages fall into five main categories:
- Cause distortion. False attribution of wildfires to arson on social media disrupts the connection between accurate data, forecasts, and public understanding, leading to misjudged responses to risks.
- Blame distortion. Ignoring climate change’s role in worsening weather disasters prevents accountability for major climate change contributors, such as the fossil fuel sector, and fails to address the root causes effectively.
- Trust attacks. Claims that government agencies or officials lack knowledge or empathy disrupt the trust necessary for effective preparation. This may lead people to ignore warnings or delay actions, such as evacuating before a hurricane.
- False safety signals. Misleading signals that there is no emergency can result in delayed evacuation or missed precautions. Imagery of people enjoying the beach during a dangerous heat wave is an example.
- Narrative hijacking occurs when disaster warnings are intertwined with divisive issues like elections or immigration, causing people to avoid shelters, services, or official communication channels.
What steps can you take?
First, follow the principle of the Hippocratic Oath: do no harm. Verify your sources before sharing information on social media. Numerous tools are available to help verify the authenticity of information. The Climate Action Against Disinformation (CAAD) coalition publishes briefs and monitors data trends in climate disinformation.
Second, maintain access to reputable sources like the National Weather Service and local emergency agencies. To understand the scientific connections between climate change and extreme weather, consult UCS’s Danger Season resources and the work of Climate Central. Sharing reliable sources helps prevent disinformation from taking root.
Third, observe the convergence of extreme weather, disasters, and contentious topics. If you notice distortions and attacks, utilize UCS’s resources to counter disinformation effectively.
Finally, join us in calling for Congress to provide the necessary funding and oversight to restore vital links in the safety chain, ensuring proper oversight and support for federal climate science and disaster preparedness and response.
