Letter: Five cheers to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its staff

DETROIT LAKES — Here are five reasons to say ‘thank you’ to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its staff: 1. Weather forecasts and warnings – NOAA’s National Weather Service provides the daily weather forecasts, storm alerts, and emergency warnings that keep us safe and help save lives and property. ADVERTISEMENT 2.

Hurricane and tornado tracking and research – NOAA’s “Hurricane Hunters” literally fly planes into storms to gather crucial data, and their models help communities prepare for and respond to hurricanes more effectively. In our area NOAA data predicts tornadoes, severe weather (hail, wind storms, freeze warnings) winter storms and blizzards. With a 20% reduction to NOAA's workforce, including human tornado spotters and cuts in the daily weather balloon launches, this will mean delayed warnings and less accurate predictions, according to USA Today .



The effects will be loss of lives – the National Bureau of Economic Research states that by making forecasts 50% more accurate, 2,200 lives would be saved annually – and property, including loss of livestock and crops. 3. Climate monitoring and research – NOAA tracks climate trends and collects long-term environmental data about rising sea levels, global temperature records, and carbon dioxide levels.

This will severely affect NASA research, which in turn affects farmers who depend on this data when planting crops, harvesting and adapting to climate changes. Our food supply is dependent on these decisions. 4.

Ocean exploration and marine conservation – NOAA explores the deep sea, maps the ocean floor, and monitors coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Through NOAA, we discover new species and protect critical habitats like marine sanctuaries and fisheries as well as sustainable fishing practices. This in turn affects freshwater fishing and tourism businesses such as those in Detroit Lakes.

5. Environmental satellites and space weather monitoring – NOAA operates a fleet of satellites that are vital for everything from GPS reliability to power grid protection against solar flares. Power grid operators use the vital information NOAA provides on solar flares as they can disrupt the environment and cause radio blackouts, which affect air travel, electric power, spaceflight, and even agriculture (solar flares can disrupt GPS systems on farm equipment).

ADVERTISEMENT Minnesota State Sen. Rob Kupec, who is also a meteorologist, recently told a group that “NOAA is in the Department of Commerce for a reason. Computer models need all the data they can get.

” Minnesota residents deserve all the benefits of NOAA’s research and weather forecasting. Please let your concerns be heard about these cuts by calling U.S.

Rep. Michelle Fischbach's office..