Weather Warnings at Risk: Why We Need to Protect Our Climate Scientists

A serious situation is unfolding in Boulder, Colorado. The Office of Management and Budget has plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). They claim NCAR is involved in "climate alarmism" and "green new scam activities. " This is a big deal because NCAR has been a key player in weather and climate research for over 50 years. For decades, Colorado has been a hotspot for federal research. NCAR and four NOAA labs in Boulder have been at the forefront of innovation. They provide vital data on weather and greenhouse gases. This information helps keep communities safe from disasters like wildfires, droughts, and floods. But now, the president's plans threaten to shut these labs down or slash their funding. This could leave the country in the dark when it comes to early warnings and preparedness. The NOAA labs do important work. They help predict wildfire behavior and risks. This allows officials to position resources strategically. They also predict water availability and drought conditions. This helps manage water resources in the arid West. Without this research, we could be left guessing in the face of extreme weather.The shrinking of NOAA staff this year has been troubling. Dismissals and early retirements are pushing top scientific talent out of the government. This attack on the agency and scientific integrity could lead to a loss of critical expertise. The country needs this expertise to produce cutting-edge science for future decision-making. NCAR and the NOAA labs provide authoritative weather and climate data. They forecast extreme weather and predict climate changes. The administration's denial of these facts could have serious consequences. Tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters will continue to impact the nation. Lives, property, and the economy depend on the science produced by these labs. In Boulder, Representative Joe Neguse is a champion for NCAR and NOAA. He has introduced legislation to boost NOAA funding and protect vital services. Congress should follow his lead and protect these institutions. They are crucial for the health, safety, and economies of Americans every day.