Though we are currently in a La Nina weather pattern, last January the world hit or passed the internationally agreed upon warming limit of 1.5°C. In Oregon, warming winters can reduce mountain snowpack – a critical resource in western states because of the spring runoff that refills our reservoirs, irrigates crops and helps meet our water demand during the summer. Warmer, shorter winters also disrupt the chill that our fruit and nut crops need. The winter sports and recreation industry could also take an economic hit due to reduced snow and ice.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which plays a critical role in weather forecasting, extreme weather warnings, and climate science is facing potential funding and staff cuts. There are positive ways we can take action. Either on our own or through the non-profit Citizens Climate Lobby, contact your Oregon congresspeople and senators to let them know they need to fight against harmful cuts to NOAA.
The National Weather Service, a part of NOAA, is the sole public forecasting agency protecting Americans against the threats of ever-increasing extreme weather events like hurricanes, winter storms and wildfires. The agency’s research is the gold standard for tracking the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and oceans, publishing that data and modeling/forecasting changes as a result. We need to be reliably informed on important issues such as global warming, and keeping NOAA fully funded is critical.
John Heinen, Portland
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