Newswise — A new tool, 50yearforecast.org, is available for Americans who are eager to see their local media address how climate change impacts their communities. At 50yearforecast.org, environmentally conscious Americans can easily search for their local TV meteorologists and send them an email urging them to connect the dots between climate change and the rise in extreme weather.
As climate change and our weather become increasingly intertwined, TV meteorologists still feel pressure to remain silent on what is perceived to be a politically sensitive topic. 50yearforecast.org was designed to allow individuals to encourage meteorologists in their community to address the science behind climate change and our changing weather in an honest and apolitical manner.
"TV meteorologists have the potential to play a critical role in informing the public about how climate change will impact their communities," said 50yearforecast.org creator Mark Mesle. "While even the most environmentally friendly citizen might struggle to name a climatologist, we all grew up with meteorologists who we know and trust."
Imagine what would happen to environmental policy in America if TV meteorologists across the country were speaking openly about how climate change is reshaping our weather? If the most trusted authority on weather in our communities--the local meteorologists--discussed the science behind climate change, it would reshape America’s understanding of the issue.
"The American Meteorological Society has taken a clear stance on the ways in which climate change is altering our weather. We hope that meteorologists will help make this connection on a local level," Mesle said.
Dr. Ray Weymann, Co-founder of Climate Science Rapid Response Team, supports the mission of 50yearforecast.org. "I warmly applaud this initiative to get citizens to contact their local TV Weather Reporters and urge them to become informed about and report on climate change," Weymann said. "They can play a crucial role in educating the public about this critical issue."
At some point soon, every meteorologist in America will be talking about climate change. Our changing weather will demand it. The sooner this conversation begins the better.
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