A leading center for earth science research is on the chopping block, says Budget Director Russell Vought, who accused the center of "climate alarmism."
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado is a global leader in weather and climate research, which includes tracking severe weather events and researching how solar activity affects the earth's atmosphere, thus accurately predicting our weather. NCAR's years of research allows forecasters to predict weather days, weeks and months in advance (a boon to farming). The Center developed instruments to be dropped from planes to predict hurricane paths, and studied downdrafts, which led to detection of wind shear at airports that in turn have prevented hundreds of deadly aviation accidents.
Along with some government and National Science Foundation funding, more than 100 universities joined to create the nonprofit University Corporation for Atmospheric Research to operate NCAR's laboratory.
So called "climate alarmism" is a stupid reason to end a useful and lifesaving institution studying weather and its effects worldwide. NCAR must not be dismantled.
Melody Sears
North side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star.
