US Needs the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Earlier this week, the White House announced plans to dismantle the National Science Foundation’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR). Losing this incredible resource would hurt the economic health of the nation and the safety of its people. 

The benefits of NSF NCAR to the United States and the world are enormous. Since its inception in 1960, NSF NCAR has made ground-breaking advances in weather, water, and climate science. Working with partners within the U.S. as well as across the world, NSF NCAR scientists have provided crucial insights on severe storms, flash floods, drought, air quality, wildfires, climate, and weather prediction, to name a few key contributions. These discoveries improve early warnings and weather forecasts, ensure enhanced transportation safety by air, sea, and ground, and reduce the adverse impacts of hazards. Crucially, they save lives and make America safer!

The US has long been a world leader in weather forecasting, and a strong NSF NCAR will lead to further forecast improvements that enhance our national well-being. A better option would be to work to maintain and strengthen NSF NCAR, including through enhanced cooperation with Federal science agencies, academic institutions, and private sector researchers. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is prepared to help in any way we can.