Why the US Will No Longer Track Extreme Weather Costs Linked to Climate Change: What You Need to Know

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced it will stop tracking the financial impact of weather disasters linked to climate change, like floods and wildfires. This decision falls under a broader trend of limiting climate-related resources during the Trump administration.

For years, NOAA monitored costly weather events, contributing vital data from agencies like FEMA and insurance companies. This Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database, which dates back to 1980, has documented numerous damaging events, totaling trillions in losses. Now, NOAA plans to archive this data instead of updating it.

NOAA’s Communications Director, Kim Doster, stated that the change is part of shifting priorities. However, scientists warn that weather events—hurricanes, wildfires, intense heat—are becoming more common and severe due to climate change. A 2022 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration noted that extreme weather is expected to increase, posing even greater risks to both lives and property.

Insurance costs are also on the rise. For homeowners in disaster-prone areas, the absence of a detailed dataset may lead to uncertainty about future rates. Jeff Masters, a meteorologist at Yale Climate Connections, highlighted that while alternatives exist, NOAA’s database is considered the gold standard for assessing disaster costs.

Kristina Dahl from Climate Central emphasized the importance of tracking these events. “They show the public, firsthand, how climate change is affecting them,” she noted. Changes to NOAA during the Trump administration, aimed at reducing climate change references, could pose serious safety risks as major weather events escalate.

In contrast, recent studies indicate that even with cutbacks, public awareness of climate issues remains high, fueled by social media and community initiatives. Online discussions show a growing concern about the implications of climate change on everyday life, emphasizing the need for transparency and continuous monitoring.

While the future of NOAA’s data collection seems uncertain, the reality is that extreme weather continues to escalate. A robust understanding of these events is crucial for preparing communities and mitigating the financial impact on homeowners and insurers alike.

For further insights, visit AP’s climate coverage.

Staying informed is vital for navigating the challenges of an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Source link