Western Governors’ Association supports improved climate science

Summary:

• The Western Governors Association today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in support of improving the development and delivery of climate science and services to Western states. This agreement will increase collaboration and boost existing efforts to ensure Western states and the U.S. Pacific islands are better able to plan for droughts, floods, wildfires and other climate-related disasters.
• Weather and climate forecasting informs decisions made across the country, from natural resources managers to farmers, water utilities and even homebuilders.
• This agreement will improve the development, coordination and dissemination of climate information to support long-range hazard preparedness and resource management decisions of western states, helping them to prepare for the uncertain weather and climate patterns a warming world will bring.

The following is a statement from Noah Matson, vice president of Climate Change and Natural Resources Adaptation at Defenders of Wildlife:

“Without a crystal ball, climate forecasting gives us the best glimpse into the future we can get. And as this spring’s devastating floods, droughts and fires demonstrate, that future is looking more and more extreme. Improving NOAA’s ability to deliver vital information will help the government to anticipate the challenges of the coming seasons, and do its best to meet them head on. This agreement demonstrates the governors’ dedication to protecting the West and keeping its people, economy, wildlife and natural places safe and healthy.”

Read the release on the Memorandum of Understanding between NOAA and the Western Governors’ Association.

 
Read NOAA Director Jane Lubchenco’s testimony regarding the Climate Service proposal.

Learn more about NOAA’s existing climate services forecasting.

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