By Shuchi Talati, Energy Analyst
Photo by NASA
We’ve long relied on the National Weather Service to give us predictions about the weather. But in a warming world, how do we predict what is happening to the climate? How much precipitation do we expect over the next several years in Polk County, Iowa? What will be the risk of wildfires in western Colorado?
Earlier this week, the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology held a hearing entitled “Examining NOAA’s Climate Service Proposal.” The Climate Service is a plan that would cost no additional money, but would consolidate existing climate programs and improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s ability to provide information to the public.
The hearing had two witnesses: Jane Lubchenco, the Administrator of NOAA, and Robert Winokur, Deputy and Technical Director at the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations. Both emphasized that a Climate Service would be an essential tool for everyone from the military to businesses to firefighters.
Indeed, the climate information NOAA provides is vital for numerous sectors. Seasonal rain and snow projections and Drought Monitor assessments help firefighters and local governments prepare for and respond to wildfires and water shortages. Insurance companies use climate data to calculate premiums and the amount of protection they can offer. Many other industries depend on this information to plan, invest, and save money. User demand for information is growing so fast that it has outpaced NOAA’s capacity. The creation of a Climate Service would benefit the businesses and communities during their planning processes, and allow NOAA to streamline their efforts to improve upon the science.
At the hearing, NOAA Administrator Lubchenco said the Climate Service would require no additional taxpayer money, would not “grow government,” and would not move money away from other programs. In addition, it would support the growth and development of a private climate industry, similar to how NOAA’s weather information supported the growth of the $1 billion private weather industry.
Congress recently blocked the development of this Climate Service, but this action is set to expire in September 2011. The Obama administration’s budget proposal includes a provision to create the Climate Service once more, bringing the debate back to the forefront. What happens to the Climate Service is now in the hands of Congress.
“What happens to the Climate Service is now in the hands of Congress.”
And the oil companies that contribute to their campaigns. And this doesn’t get Obama off the hook for taking responsibility. Especially if he and the State Dept. approve the Keystone XL pipeline. We’ll see.
I was a bit surprised that there is no specific “call to action” and assistance for that action at the end of this article (the first I’ve read and on my first visit to this site). Rather than a reply to the article, it would help to have a form right here that gets sent directly to where it will be most effective (congress? My senator, etc). People’s involvement is such a premium I would love to see you guys taking full advantage of every pair of eyes that hit an article like this!
Thanks!
Would like to see the “Climate Service” created.
ditto to Beau’s comment.
It’s innovative, despite Congress objections, to set up a NOAA. Everyone could use this.
I live in the corn belt of IN my brother & his son are farmers. I have watched every documentary & listened to the warnings about climate change & pass on the info to my friends & family. I realize that our globall planet is in jeopardy. I have watched & observed the human race now for my 60+ years & wonder why the HR doesn’t get it. We ARE the problem & the solution. Climate Change effects everyone. Wake up People! Make fewer of yourseves by choice & decrease the population growth. This one act alone will change the strain on the planet for more land & more industry & change your minds to a collective world peace. It aeems odd to me that people who study history, don’t learn from it. Stop the fighting & realize we all want the same outcome. A place to live in peace & to believe in our own concept of a higher power & raise our families but we must wake-up to the fact that WE all live on this Little Globall 1 together or not at all! Thanks to every one who is beginning to awaken & help pass on the words of change.