Tag: extreme weather

Saving Weather Forecasting, Climate Science

Scientists speak out for science (start time: 1:00) The Trump administration has been on a dizzying streak of slashing federal funding for scientific research, and firing thousands of federal scientists. Among the casualties is the National Weather Service, which supplies critical data from air balloons and climate models to develop weather forecasts. Many cities and agencies use these data to warn the public when extreme weather, such as a hurricane, is approaching. This crisis has prompted some climate scientists and meteorologists to organize a marathon five-day event, starting May 28, to educate the public about how vital their work is to society, and to mobilize people to take action. Host Susan Moran interviews two climate scientists who are on the organizing team of 100 Hours to Save America’s Forecasts. Margaret Duffy is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California Berkeley, and Marc Alessi works with the Union of Concerned Scientists. (Click here to see the schedule.)

Hosts: Susan Moran, Joel Parker
Show Producer: Susan Moran
Engineer/ Executive Producer: Joel Parker

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The Rightful Place of Science: Disasters and Climate Change

Pielke bookThe rightful place of science (starts at 6:22): In 2014, the world certainly saw more than a few costly weather disasters.  Flooding in India and Pakistan in September killed more than 600 people and resulted in economic losses of more than $18 billion.  Super Typhoon Rammasum, which hit the Philippines, China and Vietnam in July caused more than 200 deaths and losses of $6.5 billion. And, closer to home, in August, rainfall and flooding in Detroit, Baltimore and Long Island damaged homes and cities leading to economic losses of about $2 billion.

At the same time, the United Nations Weather Agency states that 2014 was the warmest year on record. So, the question is: Are these natural disasters related to the warming climate?  And are natural disasters becoming more costly because of climate change?

These are questions that Roger Pielke Jr., an environmental sciences professor at the University of Colorado, addresses in his new book “The Rightful Place of Science: Disasters and Climate Change.”  He talks with HOE’s Jane Palmer about his book and why he believes it is important to maintain scientific integrity while engaging in the climate debate.

Hosts: Kendra Krueger, Jane Palmer
Producer, Engineer: Kendra Krueger
Executive Producer: Kendra Krueger
Additional Contributions: Beth Bennett, Jane Palmer, Joel Parker

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