The article emphasizes that comprehensive and reliable weather data cannot be solely provided by private companies due to the complexity and legal implications involved. NOAA's established weather observation network plays a crucial role in gathering extensive data vital for accurate forecasting. Accessibility is critical; without public funding, smaller or rural communities may lack essential weather information. Additionally, it highlights the importance of integrating changing climate data into forecasts, as rising global temperatures significantly influence weather patterns, necessitating a holistic approach to predict future weather accurately.
It would be difficult for one company to provide comprehensive weather data in a reliable way that is also accessible to the entire public.
NOAA's weather observation network has been around for a long time and collects data from points all over the US and the oceans.
If weather data was only available at a price, one town might be able to afford the weather information, while a smaller town might not.
Rising global temperatures affect weather patterns. Dryness can fuel wildfires. Forecasts have to take the changing climate into account to be accurate.
NOAA is taxpayer-funded, so it is a public good-its services provide safety and security for everyone, not just those who can pay for it.
Collection
[
|
...
]