In Nebraska, farming faces a growing challenge: unpredictable weather. Quentin Connealy has seen firsthand how it disrupts life on his family’s farm, which has been a part of the community for 131 years.
Over the years, Connealy has dealt with floods and storms that have wreaked havoc on his crops. In 2011, he experienced his first major flood. By 2024, floods had ruined about 20% of his yields. This summer brought more trouble with hail and fierce winds that damaged his corn and soybeans. Connealy believes severe weather is becoming the norm, making planning increasingly difficult.
“We need as many reliable resources as possible,” he says.
Unfortunately, one valuable resource is disappearing. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln recently voted to cut its Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. This decision means the state will no longer have a program to cultivate meteorologists and geologists—the professionals who help monitor severe weather and manage groundwater.
This is concerning for a state often at the mercy of extreme weather. Nebraska’s climate is changing. Research indicates that average temperatures have risen by about 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970. Extreme weather events like floods and droughts are becoming more frequent. In fact, the state has recorded 36 billion-dollar disasters since 2005—a substantial increase from just four in the previous two decades.
Experts are worried. The closure of this department means fewer trained professionals to predict and respond to weather challenges. “We’re losing the ability to train the next generation of scientists,” says Deborah Bathke, a state climatologist and alumna of the program. She highlights that this expertise is critical for both agriculture and public safety.
Local knowledge makes a significant difference. Forecasters who understand Nebraska’s unique weather patterns can provide more accurate warnings. “When a storm is coming, it’s the local expertise that helps save lives,” notes Adam Houston, a professor in the department. Others point out that geology students are essential for monitoring groundwater, a vital resource for Nebraska’s agricultural economy.
Research from the department also has far-reaching implications. Professors study everything from carbon sequestration to climate adaptation strategies. Sherilyn Fritz, a professor, has been recognized by the National Academy of Sciences for her work on environmental history, contributing to global projects like the Trans-Amazon Drilling Project.
As the weather becomes more erratic, the need for specialists in meteorology and climatology grows. The National Weather Service relies on trained forecasters to issue life-saving warnings. Yet, the state risks losing this knowledge base, as many faculty members are uncertain about their futures following these cuts.
The community’s reaction to the closures has been one of concern. Support letters from professionals at the University of Wisconsin emphasize the importance of having homegrown experts in a region prone to severe storms. As an example, Rusty Dawkins, the Chief Meteorologist at KLKN-TV, states that graduates from the program possess local expertise that outsiders simply can’t replicate.
In this context, the decision to eliminate such a crucial program raises questions about Nebraska’s future resilience against climate change and weather extremes. The ability to forecast and respond effectively could shape the state’s economic and environmental health for generations.
Ultimately, as Nebraska continues to face the uncertainties of a changing climate, the role of specialized education in providing local experts becomes more vital than ever.
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