The nation’s premier research institution for atmospheric research — the University Consortium for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) — issued a statement following the release of the Trump Administration’s FY 2018 budget which proposes massive cuts in US weather and climate forecasting capabilities. They noted that last year alone, the United States experienced 15 weather-related disasters that each reached or exceeded $1 billion in costs. They noted:
We are concerned that the administration’s proposed cuts to research into the Earth system sciences will undermine the continued scientific progress that is so vitally needed to better protect the nation in the future from costly natural disasters. This would have serious repercussions for the U.S. economy and national security, and for the ability to protect life and property. Such funding cuts would be especially unfortunate at a time when the nation is moving to regain its position as the world leader in weather forecasting.