100 Hours to Save America's Forecasts
What Weather and Climate Scientists are Doing to Save America
Earlier this year, I heard shocking news - the desire to cut funding to climate and weather forecasting and studies in the United States. Even from the mere suggestion that this might occur, I knew it was going to be bad. Weather and Climate Scientists do the work of saving lives in America, telling us when a storm is coming and how soon. With hurricane season on the up-and-coming, I became painfully aware the lives of cutting funding and people from weather data centers and more would do.
With the polarizing sentiment - the hot-button topic of 'climate change' and 'extreme weather' - it is often forgotten what meteorologists and climate scientists do. They don't only study changing temperatures, they use those changes to predict and study how this weather will effect real, living people across the United States.
It can be argued all day with someone on whether climate change is real. But it is usually uncontested that the world is warming - it's the whys that tend to be where the fighting starts. But rather than focusing on what else meteorologists and climate scientist do, the media tends to focus on climate change.
It is so much more than that. Regardless of reasoning, storms still happen and we will need to know when, where, and how hard they will strike. Fewer people to crunch those numbers and do those tests means that there will be more lives lost to the next storm.
So, what is being done?
In the spirit of the modern age, climate scientists and meteorologists are taking to the internet, to answer questions, to state their case, to explain in 100 hours why they matter and why they should be saved.
And argument that shouldn't have to be made.
But it is showing something phenomenal: an attempt to make information accessible, reliable, and accurate information. Without the need for a degree to understand it. It's something which I have wanted for scientific communities for ages and I hope it will get the results which it deserves.
With the rise of misinformation, I believe that a large contributing factor is the lack of accessible public information about a topic. Not only does it need to be delivered in a fashion that is accurate and easy to understand without a degree in the field, but it also needs to be in a format that is reachable by the people. The issues with a lot of true, verifiable information it the restriction to peer reviewed articles, often on sites that can't even be accessed by a majority of the public.
By creating a YouTube channel and using it to livestream this information makes it accessible. I do think there is room for improvement - particularly because appealing to phone scrolling is less than ideal - but it is an amazing start that can be made all the better should it receive the attention it needs. A growing rise of scientists taking to the internet and using it to combat misinformation is the best and, perhaps, the only way to reach as many people that is needed to start working past misinformation. Truth works fast, but a lie works faster, unless something isn't done.
As it stands today, the livestream is on its sixth part, with many comments in the live chat being answered in less than a couple of seconds. Those who are presenting and moderating urge Americans to contact their representative so that saving America's Forecasts might be possible.
The 100 Hours to Save America's Forecasts livestream goes from Wednesday, May 28th 10am PT to Sunday June 1st 2:30pm PT on YouTube. The goal is to raise awareness not only of what climate scientists and meteorologists do, but also that they matter and are needed in these growing and changing times.
About the Creator
Minte Stara
Small writer and artist who spends a lot of their time stuck in books, the past, and probably a library.
Currently I'm working on my debut novel What's Normal Here, a historical/fantasy romance.
Keep reading
More stories from Minte Stara and writers in The Swamp and other communities.
Making Media Literacy Fun
When I first was introduced to the concept of media literacy, it was by reviewing an article written by the KKK. I was in junior college and one of the guest lecturers for that day had come in with two separate articles. No details about the articles were given, just the plane text on the background of the website they had been presented on. The lecturer then asked us what was wrong with these two examples.
By Minte Stara7 months ago in The Swamp
China to ‘Take All Necessary Measures’ Against Trump’s 25% Tariff
Trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies are once again threatening to boil over. After Donald Trump signaled support for a 25% tariff on Chinese goods, Beijing responded sharply, warning it would “take all necessary measures” to defend its economic interests. The statement, brief but forceful, has reignited global concerns about a return to full-scale trade confrontation. For markets, governments, and consumers alike, the message is clear: the fragile balance in U.S.-China trade relations could soon be tested again. What Trump’s 25% Tariff Means Donald Trump has long championed tariffs as a tool to rebalance trade and protect American industries. During his presidency, tariffs became a central pillar of his economic strategy, particularly against China, which he frequently accused of unfair trade practices. A proposed 25% tariff would significantly raise the cost of Chinese imports entering the U.S. market. From electronics and machinery to consumer goods, the impact would ripple through supply chains that remain deeply interconnected despite years of decoupling efforts. Trump’s framing is simple: tariffs pressure China to change its behavior. Beijing, however, sees them as economic coercion. China’s Strong Response: More Than Just Words When Chinese officials say they will “take all necessary measures,” the phrase carries weight. Historically, such language has preceded retaliatory tariffs, regulatory pressure on foreign firms, or targeted trade restrictions. China has several options at its disposal: Imposing tariffs on U.S. agricultural and industrial exports Restricting access to key raw materials or supply chains Increasing regulatory scrutiny of American companies operating in China Beijing’s warning signals that it does not intend to absorb economic pressure quietly—especially from a leader known for aggressive trade tactics. Why Beijing Is Drawing a Red Line China’s economy is navigating a complex moment. Slower growth, property sector challenges, and cautious consumer spending have already put pressure on policymakers. In this context, external shocks—like new U.S. tariffs—are viewed as direct threats to stability. More importantly, China sees trade policy as inseparable from national sovereignty. Accepting punitive tariffs without response could be perceived domestically as weakness, something the Chinese leadership is determined to avoid. By responding forcefully, Beijing reassures its public and global partners that it will defend its interests, even if that means escalating tensions. The Global Impact of Renewed Trade Conflict A renewed U.S.-China trade war would not be confined to Washington and Beijing. The global economy remains deeply exposed to the relationship between these two powers. Higher tariffs could: Increase prices for consumers worldwide Disrupt global manufacturing and logistics Slow economic growth in export-dependent economies Markets tend to react swiftly to such developments, with uncertainty often triggering volatility in stocks, currencies, and commodities. For developing countries tied into global supply chains, the consequences could be especially severe. Lessons From the Last Trade War The first U.S.-China trade war offered clear lessons. While tariffs generated political headlines, they also produced mixed economic results. American consumers absorbed higher prices, farmers required government subsidies, and global supply chains became less efficient. China, meanwhile, accelerated efforts to diversify trade partnerships and boost domestic innovation. Rather than weakening Beijing’s resolve, tariffs arguably hardened it. This history shapes how China is responding now: prepared, cautious, but unyielding. Politics Behind the Policy Trump’s tariff rhetoric also serves a domestic political purpose. Tough talk on China resonates with voters concerned about manufacturing jobs, national security, and economic independence. In this sense, tariffs are as much a campaign tool as an economic one. China understands this dynamic. Its response is crafted not only for U.S. policymakers but also for global audiences, signaling that it will not be used as a political punching bag in American elections. The result is a standoff where politics and economics collide. Is Diplomacy Still Possible? Despite the sharp language, diplomacy remains possible. Past trade confrontations have often included intense rhetoric followed by behind-the-scenes negotiations. Both sides understand the costs of prolonged escalation. However, compromise becomes harder when tariffs are framed as matters of principle rather than policy. Trump’s transactional style and China’s emphasis on sovereignty leave limited room for face-saving solutions. Whether cooler heads prevail will depend on political calculations in both capitals. What Comes Next If the tariff threat moves from rhetoric to reality, China’s response will likely be swift and strategic rather than impulsive. Beijing tends to calibrate retaliation carefully, aiming to apply pressure while minimizing self-inflicted damage. For the world, the situation serves as a reminder: U.S.-China relations remain one of the most consequential fault lines in global politics. Even a single policy announcement can send shockwaves across economies. Final Thoughts China’s warning to “take all necessary measures” against Trump’s proposed 25% tariff reflects more than economic disagreement—it highlights a deeper struggle over power, influence, and the rules of global trade. As both sides prepare for potential escalation, the stakes extend far beyond tariffs and trade balances. Whether this moment becomes another chapter in a long-running trade war—or a catalyst for renewed negotiation—will shape the global economic landscape for years to come.
By Muhammad Hassana day ago in The Swamp
Comments (1)
Cutting funding for climate and weather forecasting is nuts. Meteorologists and climate scientists save lives by predicting storms. It's crucial work, especially with hurricane season coming up. The media's focus on climate change overshadows all they do. It's good they're going online to explain themselves. But why is there even a threat to cut funding? We need them more than ever to keep us safe from the next big storm. How can we ensure this funding doesn't get axed?