Foolish and counterproductive are two words that come to mind regarding the Trump administration’s plan to break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.

NCAR is the crown jewel of atmospheric research in the nation, with an unparalleled global reputation.

Its research covers an immense scientific range, including the development of new weather and climate models, essential research into atmospheric processes, technological innovations to deal with weather threats (such as aircraft turbulence and severe weather), and the use of supercomputers for environmental research and prediction, to name only a few.

Improvements in weather forecasting, which we all take for granted today, are the result of the scientific breakthroughs in numerical weather prediction fostered by National Center for Atmospheric Research.

NCAR is a primary site for disciplinary meetings and has played an important role in training generation after generation of future atmospheric students. I did a cooperative M.S. degree at NCAR and the University of Colorado, which started my career.

Thus, it is more than disturbing when the director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russel Vought, put out a message stating the NCAR would be broken up due to its “climate alarmism.”

Breaking up NCAR would dramatically hurt U.S. science capability and profoundly undermine the ability of the U.S. to predict both weather and climate, including in the Central North Pacific.

This in turn would put Americans, including us here in Hawaiʻi at increased risk to severe weather, costing both lives and property.

Yes, there are a few NCAR scientists who have been vocal regarding climate change, but that is certainly their right as American citizens. Their statements do not represent the organization, which is based on scientific excellence.

I hope that this counterproductive and profoundly damaging plan is shelved.

U.S. weather prediction capabilities do need to be improved. Doing so requires
a strengthening of NCAR and building a joint effort with NOAA that would create the best weather simulation and forecasting capabilities in the world.