1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

The United States has been a pioneer in meteorology and climate science, developing sophisticated computer models and an extensive observational network that provides vital data. This "quiet revolution" has saved countless lives through accurate forecasting, giving ample warning to communities in the path of hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards and other hazards. It has also deepened scientific knowledge of atmospheric physics and the consequences of rising greenhouse gas emissions. Cutting funding for weather and climate research cripples our ability to predict severe storms, heatwaves, droughts, and other dangerous conditions. This reckless decision jeopardizes public safety and hampers efforts to understand and mitigate the disastrous impacts of global warming. I will contribute my personal story - I have a master’s degree in meteorology and worked at the National Severe Storms Laboratory on the project to develop the Doppler radars that are now installed across the country and help save lives and help agriculture daily. We were never awash with funding. The prototype Doppler radar was built out of spare military parts. Then and now, NOAA and NWS employees are not overpaid and do not waste money. They work hard to better understand our atmosphere and develop tools to make America safer and more productive. It is not a smart move to defund this very small part of the federal budget in the name of eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. Immediately restore this funding for critical weather and climate research programs.