SpaceX Rocket Dumps Fuel in Swirl: What’s the Environmental Cost?

# What is the primary concern regarding the firings at NOAA and the National Weather Service?The main concern is that the mass firings, coupled with previous staff reductions, will severely hinder the agencies' ability to effectively monitor and predict weather hazards, including extreme events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and tsunamis. This could compromise public safety, economic stability, and the accuracy of weather forecasts that both the public and private sectors rely upon. The firings impacted a wide range of positions, from meteorologists and hydrologists to technicians and modelers.# Which specific areas within NOAA and the National Weather Service were most affected by the firings?The firings impacted numerous critical areas within NOAA and the NWS. Key areas hit include: the Environmental Modeling Center (responsible for building and maintaining weather prediction models), the National Hurricane Center, tsunami warning centers in Alaska and Hawaii, weather forecast offices across the country, the Aircraft Operations Center (which flies into hurricanes), and the Office of Space Commerce. Critical support staff such as equipment technicians and communications personnel were also affected.# How might the cuts to NOAA and the NWS affect hurricane forecasting and preparedness?The loss of experienced hurricane modelers, flight directors at the Aircraft Operations Center, and other critical personnel raises serious concerns about the accuracy and timeliness of hurricane forecasts. Fewer reconnaissance flights into hurricanes could result in less data, impacting the ability to predict storm intensity and track. Reduced staffing at local weather forecast offices could also hinder the ability to provide timely warnings and support emergency managers.# What is Project 2025, and how does it relate to the NOAA firings?Project 2025 is a policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation that calls for a significant reduction in the size of the federal government. Specifically, with respect to NOAA, the plan advocates for dismantling the agency and commercializing its forecasting operations, with the NWS primarily focusing on data gathering. Critics argue that the NOAA firings align with the goals of Project 2025 and represent a step toward privatizing weather forecasting, which could lead to reduced public access to vital weather information.# What specific types of jobs were affected by the layoffs?The layoffs affected a wide range of positions, including meteorologists, hydrologists, technicians, modelers, communications personnel, and even those responsible for repairing critical equipment like radar systems. Many of those fired were probationary employees, which included both recent hires and experienced federal workers who had recently been promoted or transferred. The loss of these experienced individuals, even those classified as probationary, represents a significant loss of institutional knowledge and expertise.# What actions are being taken to protest and counteract the cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service?The "Stand Up for Science" rallies are being organized to protest the attacks on science and to advocate for increased scientific funding, an end to censorship and political interference in science, and the defense of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in science. Lawmakers are also denouncing the layoffs, with some vowing to fight the actions in Congress and the courts. Some employees were rehired due to legal rulings.#standupforscience

1 Mar 14min

Meteorology Matters examines the complex and ultimately self-destructive relationship between Adolf Hitler and wealthy German industrialists and media moguls who initially supported his rise to power, driven by a desire for profit and a fear of communism, but later faced dire consequences, including loss of power, imprisonment, and complicity in war crimes.Key Ideas and Facts:Early Capitalist Distrust: In the 1920s and early 1930s, Hitler and the Nazi Party were generally viewed with suspicion by capitalists. The Nazi's platform was "belligerently nationalistisch but also unapologetically sozialistisch." Their 25-point platform explicitly targeted bankers, financiers, and industrialists, calling for nationalization and confiscation of profits.Key Enablers: Hugenberg and Thyssen: Despite initial capitalist distrust, some wealthy individuals provided crucial support.Alfred Hugenberg: A media mogul and industrialist who provided Hitler with "electoral capital" in January 1933, enabling his appointment as chancellor. Hugenberg used his media empire to disseminate National Socialist ideas, practicing "Katastrophenpolitik" (politics of catastrophe) to polarize public opinion. He initially believed he could control Hitler, stating, "Hitler will sit in the saddle but Hugenberg holds the whip." After being appointed to a cabinet post as head of a "Superministerium", Hugenberg tried to advance economic growth through territorial expansion, which ultimately led to his resignation from his minister post in June 1933.Fritz Thyssen: An heir to a leading industrial fortune, was an early and significant financier of the Nazi movement. He provided approximately 1 million reichsmarks and facilitated Hitler's address to industrialists in Düsseldorf in 1932, which resulted in "a number of large contributions flow[ing] from the resources of heavy industry into the treasuries of the National Socialist party.” Thyssen eventually regretted his support and ended up in a concentration camp.The Shift in Corporate Sentiment: As Hitler's power grew, the attitude of the capitalist class shifted. They began to see him as a bulwark against the left-wing Social Democrats and Communists. Banker Kurt Baron von Schröder provided Hitler with a crucial 30 million reichsmark credit line just before his appointment as chancellor.Göring's Fundraiser: On February 20, 1933, Hermann Göring hosted a fundraiser for the Nazi Party, attended by prominent industrialists and bankers, including Gustav Krupp von Bohlen and directors from I.G. Farben. Hitler himself attended, promising to restore the military, assert totalitarian control, and crush political opponents. The fundraiser generated 3 million reichsmarks. Göring stated that the upcoming election "will surely be the last one for the next 10 years, probably even for the next 100 years."Corporate Complicity: German corporations actively participated in building the Third Reich, with companies like Ferdinand Porsche (Volkswagen), Mercedes-Benz, Hugo Boss (SS uniforms), Krupp (armaments), and Allianz (insurance for concentration camps) contributing to the Nazi war machine.Significance: The article serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing profit and short-term political gains over ethical considerations and the long-term consequences of supporting extremist ideologies. It highlights the complicity of corporate elites in the rise of totalitarian regimes and the devastating impact of their actions.

1 Mar 12min

NOAA Firings - February 2025The Trump administration, influenced by entities like Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and guided by principles outlined in Project 2025, initiated mass layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other federal agencies in late February 2025. These layoffs disproportionately targeted probationary employees, impacting critical functions such as weather forecasting, climate research, and emergency services. The moves have drawn criticism from lawmakers, scientists, and agency staff, who warn of significant damage to public safety, the economy, and the nation's ability to respond to extreme weather events.Key Themes and Information:Mass Layoffs at NOAA:Hundreds of employees were fired, impacting various divisions within NOAA, including the National Weather Service (NWS), satellite divisions, the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. (Axios)The New York Times reports firings are expected to affect over 800 employees out of a total of 13,000 at NOAA.Impact on Agency Functions:Layoffs are expected to "set the agency back years and compromise the integrity of missions that directly support human health and safety, economic prosperity and national security.” (NYT, policy analyst quote)The SF Chronicle cites a person familiar with the matter as saying, "Some NOAA offices could lose up to 25% of their staff."Timing and Context:The firings occurred shortly after Howard Lutnick was sworn in as the new Commerce Department secretary, under which NOAA falls. (NYT)Layoffs coincide with potential severe weather outbreaks and the approaching Atlantic hurricane season. (WaPo)Motivations and Ideological Influences:Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is cited as a driving force behind the cuts. (Axios, SF Chronicle)Project 2025 also suggests commercializing the National Weather Service. (NYT)Reactions and Concerns:Lawmakers have denounced the layoffs, with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) stating the move is "a direct hit to our economy, because NOAA's specialized workforce provides products and services that support more than a third of the nation's GDP." (Axios)Miyoko Sakashita, the director of oceans projects at the Center for Biological Diversity, stated, "Gutting NOAA will hamstring essential lifesaving programs that forecast storms, ensure ocean safety and prevent the extinction of whales and sea otters.” (NYT)Specific Examples of Impact:Emma Esquivel, executive assistant to Alaska’s National Weather Service director, received a termination email stating she was "not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge and/or skills do not fit the agency’s current needs.” (NYT)Andrew Hazleton, a physical scientist for the Weather Service and a veteran of NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter missions, confirmed his termination. (WaPo)Financial Implications:The National Weather Service budget is roughly $1.4 billion, which equates to about $4 per taxpayer. (SF Chronicle)The SF Chronicle states that a 2024 report showed weather service forecasts provide an estimated benefit of $102.1 billion to the U.S. public, which is a return of $73 for every dollar invested.

28 Feb 21min

American Farmers Sue USDA for Deletion of Climate Data from Government WebsitesOrganic farmers and environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for removing climate change-related data, websites, and resources from its online platforms. The plaintiffs argue that this action hinders farmers' ability to plan and adapt to climate change, disrupts research efforts, and violates federal laws related to government transparency and agency action. The suit alleges that the USDA's actions were arbitrary, capricious, and politically motivated, and seeks to compel the agency to restore the deleted information.Key Themes and Ideas:Deletion of Climate Data and Resources:The USDA, allegedly under the directive of Director of Digital Communications Peter Rhee, ordered staff to remove climate change-focused webpages, data sets, interactive tools, and funding information from its websites. The directive was issued on January 30, 2025.The lawsuit claims that the department “acted swiftly to purge department websites of climate-change-focused webpages,” (Washington Post) leading to confusion and inaccessibility of resources for farmers and the public.Examples cited include the removal of a Farm Service Agency webpage detailing how to apply for Climate-Smart Agriculture and Farm Loan Programs, and the Forest Service's deletion of an interactive map showing climate change vulnerability assessments.The data was deemed by the plaintiffs to be useful to farmers for business planning. The lawsuit said that the department was hindering farmers from using the data to make “agricultural decisions” (Washington Post).Impact on Farmers and Researchers:The deleted information is considered crucial for farmers facing climate change-related risks such as "heat waves, droughts, floods, extreme weather and wildfires" (New York Times).The data removal makes it harder for climate researchers and advocates to do their jobs.Wes Gillingham, president of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, stated, "Right now, because of climate change and because of what farmers are facing in terms of extreme weather events, we need every piece of available information we can get. We don’t have access to that, we’re not going to make it" (New York Times).Legal Arguments and Violations Alleged:The plaintiffs allege violations of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.The lawsuit claims that the USDA’s actions were "arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law" (New York Times).The suit seeks a court order to declare the USDA's actions unlawful, compel the restoration of the deleted webpages, and prevent further deletions.Political Context and Motivations:The lawsuit suggests the data removal is "part of a trend" under the Trump administration to dismantle climate protections and reverse federal policies aimed at fighting and measuring climate change (Washington Post).The timing of the data deletion coincided with a freeze on funding promised by the USDA under climate and conservation programs, which had been set in motion by the Trump administration.Gillingham states that "taking information down because of a 'political agenda about climate change' was senseless" (New York Times).

27 Feb 8min

Recent Controversies Regarding Education and Environmental Policy in FloridaExecutive Summary: This document summarizes recent actions in Florida that have drawn criticism for alleged political influence on education and environmental policy. These include the removal of climate change references from textbooks, the proposed renaming of the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America" in state materials, and broader concerns about "ideology or indoctrination" in schools.Key Themes and Ideas:Textbook Censorship & Climate Change Denial:Summary: The Florida Department of Education is accused of removing or altering textbook content to minimize or eliminate references to climate change.Details:A 90-page section on climate change was removed from a high school chemistry book.References to climate change were cut from middle school biology textbooks, including passages urging government action, deemed a "political statement."The state demanded citations supporting the link between "human activity" and climate change in a high school biology textbook."They asked to take out phrases such as climate change."No high school environmental science textbooks were included in the state's list of acceptable books.Context: These actions follow the removal of "DEI" (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and "critical race theory" references from textbooks.Impact: Critics argue that these actions deny students a deeper understanding of climate change and its implications, especially considering Florida's vulnerability to climate change impacts.Quote: "Educators told the Sentinel the state's 'ill-considered actions' will 'rob students of a deeper understanding of global warming' and 'cheat Florida students.'""Gulf of America" Initiative:Summary: Florida GOP lawmakers have introduced bills to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America" in state laws and educational materials, following an executive order from former President Donald Trump.Details:Multiple bills in the Florida Senate and House seek to replace all references to the "Gulf of Mexico" with "Gulf of America."One bill proposes designating a section of U.S. Highway 41 as the "Gulf of America Trail."The bills would require state agencies, county school districts, and charter school boards to use materials reflecting the new name.Governor DeSantis referenced "an area of low pressure moving across the Gulf of America" in an order about a winter storm.The bills would update the name in over 50 Florida statutes.Quote: The bill noted that the “Gulf of Mexico spans approximately 1,700 miles along the United States coastline, of which 770 miles are located along the Florida coast.”Quote: Trump’s executive order directed the secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior to “rename the Gulf of Mexico as the ‘Gulf of America’ in order to recognize the importance of the body of water to the United States.”"Ideology" and State Control Over Education:Summary: The Florida Department of Education asserts its role in ensuring that instructional materials align with state standards and do not include "any form of ideology or indoctrination."Details:The DeSantis administration has been accused of aligning Florida's public education system with conservative views.

27 Feb 17min

Wind Load Impact on Tall Buildings During Severe Wind EventsMeteorology Matters looks at the performance of tall building facades under severe wind conditions, focusing on damage observations from recent events (May-July 2024) including a derecho and Hurricane Beryl in Houston, Texas. The study combines real-world damage assessments with wind tunnel simulations conducted at the NSF NHERI Wall of Wind Experimental Facility to understand the factors contributing to facade failures. A key finding is that non-hurricane wind events, like derechos and downbursts, can cause significant localized damage due to wind channeling effects in urban areas and the unique characteristics of these wind events. The research highlights the need for reassessing wind load design criteria for tall buildings to account for these factors.Key Themes and Ideas:Increased Vulnerability of Tall Buildings: The article emphasizes the growing number of tall buildings in urban environments and their inherent vulnerability to extreme wind events."As urbanization accelerates, the construction of tall buildings has surged, becoming a defining feature of modern cityscapes... Tall buildings, while contributing to economic growth and urban development, face substantial risks from extreme wind events, such as hurricanes and downbursts."Impact of Non-Hurricane Wind Events: A core argument is that localized convective systems like derechos and downbursts pose a significant threat to tall building facades, sometimes causing more damage than hurricanes with comparable wind speeds."localized convective systems such as derecho and downbursts rank among the most formidable natural forces capable of inflicting severe damage on tall structures.""Comparing the observations in both events, the damage resulted from the derecho was more severe than that resulted from the hurricane, despite comparable gust speeds."Wind Channeling in Urban Areas: The study identifies wind channeling in densely built urban environments as a critical factor in facade damage. The interaction of wind forces with surrounding buildings can amplify pressures on specific facades."...critical vulnerabilities in tall building façades, particularly in relation to wind channeling effects in densely built urban areas.""As observed, channelling effects in dense urban environment might have a significant consequence on the wind-induced local pressures and have contributed to the damage observed in Houston during the derecho."Need for Reassessing Wind Load Design: The research suggests that current wind load design criteria may not adequately account for the complexities of wind behavior in urban areas, especially concerning non-hurricane events."...underscore the need for a reassessment of wind effects on tall buildings to better reflect the complex interactions between wind forces and urban environments."Wind Tunnel Testing Methodology: The study uses wind tunnel simulations at the NHERI Wall of Wind Experimental Facility to investigate wind loads on tall building models under both atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and downburst wind conditions. The wind tunnel is equipped with a 12-fan system simulating Category 5 hurricane conditions.

26 Feb 18min

Volcanic Unrest at Mount Spurr, Alaska (February 2025)Summary:Mount Spurr, a stratovolcano located approximately 75 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska, is exhibiting signs of increased volcanic activity, prompting close monitoring by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO). The primary indicators are an increase in seismic activity, changes to the summit crater, and observations of fumaroles. While an eruption is not certain, volcanologists estimate a roughly 50-50 chance of an eruption at Crater Peak and are closely watching for additional signals that would indicate an increased likelihood. Past eruptions, particularly those in 1953 and 1992, demonstrate the potential for significant disruption to air travel due to ashfall.Key Themes and Details:Increased Seismic Activity: A significant increase in earthquakes has been recorded since April, escalating from approximately 30 per week to 125 per week. Over 2,700 earthquakes have been recorded in total, with the largest being a magnitude 2.9 quake on January 2. As noted by one article, "thousands of earthquakes and notable shifts in the terrain have been observed over recent weeks, indicating that the volcano may be on the verge of an eruption."Location of Potential Eruption: If an eruption occurs, scientists believe it is most likely to occur at Crater Peak, a vent located about two miles below the Spurr summit. Crater Peak erupted in 1953 and 1992.Potential Hazards: An eruption at Crater Peak could release "streams of hot gas, rock and ash traveling at speeds of more than 200 miles per hour." This could also lead to lahars (mudflows) due to melting snow and ice. While the immediate area around Mount Spurr is sparsely populated, the primary concern is ashfall affecting Anchorage and disrupting air travel.Impact on Air Travel: The 1992 eruption caused significant travel disruptions by blanketing Anchorage in ash and shutting down the airport. The USGS reports that "planes are highly susceptible to volcanic materials, which can damage the fuselage, blades and significantly hinder engine performance." The increased volume of air traffic in 2025 compared to 1992 suggests that a similar eruption could be even more disruptive today.Monitoring Efforts: The AVO is closely monitoring Mount Spurr using 11 seismic stations and conducting overflights to take gas measurements and maintain instruments. They are looking for specific warning signs that would indicate an imminent eruption, including increased seismic activity, gas emissions, surface heating, and changes in surface deformation. As Matt Haney stated, "We’re watching it very closely... We’re saying that there’s unrest above background [levels], but it’s uncertain if this is actually building to an eruption."Uncertainty of Eruption: While there is a 50-50 chance of an eruption, it is also possible that the volcanic unrest will subside without an eruption. Past episodes of increased activity have not always resulted in eruptions. According to one of the articles, "Sometimes there can be a build-up of magma beneath the volcano, but it doesn’t have enough magma to ultimately proceed all the way and produce a volcanic eruption."Advanced Warning: The AVO expects to see additional warning signs before an eruption, potentially providing "days to a few weeks" of advanced notice, although this is not guaranteed. The AVO stated that, "it is very likely that if an eruption were to occur it would be preceded by additional signals that would allow advance warning."

26 Feb 11min

2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season OutlookDate: February 24, 2025Sources:"5 things Bryan Norcross is watching for the 2025 hurricane season" - Fox Weather"New NOAA system ushers in next generation of hurricane modeling, forecasting" - NOAA"After predicting 'hurricane season from hell,' forecaster is back for '25" - Chron.comExecutive Summary:The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is approaching, with the official start on June 1st. Forecasters are closely monitoring several factors that will influence the season's activity. While early predictions suggest a potentially less active season than the disastrous 2024 season, unusually warm Caribbean waters and other unpredictable elements mean coastal communities should remain vigilant. New forecasting technologies, like NOAA's HAFS model, promise improved accuracy in predicting storm intensity and track, offering more lead time for preparedness.Key Themes and Ideas:Seasonal Predictions and ENSO:ENSO-Neutral Conditions: Current outlooks suggest a likely ENSO-neutral phase, meaning neither El Niño nor La Niña will dominate. Historically, ENSO-neutral years have produced varying levels of hurricane activity. "Forecasters are still analyzing the potential development of an El Niño or La Niña event for the upcoming season, but current outlooks suggest that the year will likely fall within an ENSO-neutral phase, meaning neither El Niño nor La Niña conditions are expected to dominate."Spring Predictability Barrier: Forecasting ENSO conditions this time of year is difficult due to weak trade winds over the Pacific. "What that means is that this time of year and up into about March and maybe even April, it becomes very difficult and forecasts for whether it's going to be an El Niño or La Niña are much less reliable."WeatherBell's Forecast: After accurately predicting a severe 2024 season, WeatherBell Analytics forecasts a less impactful 2025 season with 15-19 named storms, 7-9 hurricanes, and 2-3 major hurricanes. They suggest "fewer impacts" and "no clear landfall signals" unlike last year.Sea Surface Temperatures:Warm Caribbean Waters: Above-average temperatures in the Caribbean Sea raise concerns about potentially more intense hurricanes if storms enter that region. "The Caribbean is extremely warm. That suggests that if we get a storm, like Beryl, forming in the region, we could see an unusually strong system this year," said Norcross.Gulf and Western Atlantic: Water temperatures in the Gulf and western Atlantic fluctuate but can still provide fuel for developing systems.Cooler Atlantic: WeatherBell forecasters say that cooler conditions in the Atlantic favor a weaker season overall. "The Atlantic is much cooler than last year, and the swath of warmer water is shown to the north. This suggests less Main Development Region activity, but the worry have its share of issues."

25 Feb 13min