Pope Francis Manifesto on Earth Facing Danger

March 13, 2025 (Evening PDT / Late Night EDT / UTC): The total lunar eclipse begins.8:57 p.m. PDT / 11:57 p.m. EDT / 03:57 UTC: Penumbral eclipse begins. The Moon enters the Earth’s penumbra, resulting in a subtle dimming.10:09 p.m. PDT / 1:09 a.m. EDT (March 14) / 05:09 UTC (March 14): Partial eclipse begins. The Moon starts entering Earth’s umbra, with a noticeable dark "bite" appearing on the lunar disk.Around 11:26 p.m. PDT (March 13): West Coast viewers can begin to see the total lunar eclipse.March 14, 2025 (Early Morning EDT / UTC): The total lunar eclipse reaches and ends totality.12:00 a.m. EDT: The Virtual Telescope Project's livestream begins.1:00 a.m. EDT: Timeanddate's livestream begins.1:09 a.m. EDT: Partial eclipse begins for East Coast viewers.2:26 a.m. EDT / 11:26 p.m. PDT (March 13) / 06:26 UTC: Totality begins. The entire Moon is within Earth’s umbra and appears reddish-orange (a "blood moon").Around 2:26 a.m. EDT: East Coast viewers can begin to see the total lunar eclipse.2:59 a.m. EDT / 6:59 GMT / 07:59 UTC: Maximum phase of the total lunar eclipse, with the Moon fully obscured by Earth's umbra.3:31 a.m. EDT / 12:31 a.m. PDT / 07:31 UTC: Totality ends. The Moon begins to exit Earth’s umbra, and the red color starts to fade.4:47 a.m. EDT / 1:47 a.m. PDT / 08:47 UTC: Partial eclipse ends. The Moon is completely out of Earth’s umbra.6:00 a.m. EDT / 3:00 a.m. PDT / 10:00 UTC: Penumbral eclipse ends. The Moon is entirely out of Earth’s shadow, and the eclipse is over.6:05 a.m. EDT: The Griffith Observatory's online broadcast ends.September 7-8, 2025: The next total lunar eclipse will occur, visible over Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa and Europe, but not North America.March 2026: The next total lunar eclipse visible from the U.S. will occur.

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Microplastic Pollution: A Growing Threat to Human Health and the Environmentmeteorology Matters highlights the pervasive and increasingly concerning issue of microplastic pollution. They reveal the presence of microplastics in household cleaning products, their negative impact on plant photosynthesis, and alarmingly, their significant accumulation in human brains, potentially linked to neurological disorders. While the full extent of the health and environmental consequences is still under investigation, the evidence presented underscores the urgent need for both individual and systemic action to reduce plastic production, consumption, and release into the environment.Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:1. Microplastics are Widespread and a Growing Concern:Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than five millimeters in size, are now "a ubiquitous part of our daily physical reality," found in diverse environments from "Antarctic sea ice to human brains" (Scientific American).Global plastic production has more than doubled in the past two decades, reaching approximately 400 million tons annually (New York Post). This surge directly contributes to the increasing levels of microplastic pollution.A new study found that microplastic levels in human brains have increased by 50% in just eight years (New York Post).2. Microplastics in Household Cleaning Products:Many household cleaning products contain microplastics as primary ingredients for abrasive properties, viscosity, color, or shimmer. They can also be shed as secondary microplastics from the breakdown of packaging (Washington Post).Examples of cleaning products that may contain or shed microplastics include: laundry and dishwashing detergent pods and liquid capsules (due to polyvinyl alcohol - PVA), toilet bowl cleaners, synthetic scrubbers and melamine sponges, scrubbing agents with microbeads, surface wipes with synthetic polymers, and some furniture polishes and waxes (Washington Post).While laundry and dishwashing detergent pods with PVA are designed to biodegrade in wastewater treatment plants, research suggests that "up to 61 percent of the PVA from pods enters the environment as sludge, and an additional 16 percent is emitted through water" after treatment (Washington Post).Consumers currently bear the "burden" of identifying and avoiding microplastics in cleaning products as they are not explicitly listed on labels. Instead, consumers need to look for specific chemical names like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, acrylates, polymers, and microbeads (Washington Post).3. Negative Impact on Plant Photosynthesis:New research indicates that microplastics can significantly hinder photosynthesis in a wide range of plant species, including crucial food crops. The study found an average reduction of 7 to 12 percent in photosynthetic ability (Scientific American).This reduction could lead to substantial yield losses in staple crops like corn, rice, and wheat (estimated at 4 to 13.5 percent per year over the next 25 years) and a decrease in seafood production (up to 7 percent) due to the impact on algae, which forms the base of aquatic food webs (Scientific American).Decreased photosynthesis also has implications for climate change mitigation, as plants will sequester less carbon dioxide than currently predicted (Scientific American).The researchers estimate that reducing the amount of plastic particles currently in the environment by just 13 percent could mitigate photosynthesis loss by 30 percent (Scientific American).

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March 11, 2025Meteorology Matters sees a significant and complex storm system expected to impact a large portion of the United States throughout the latter part of this week and into the weekend of March 14-16, 2025. This "colossal storm" (USA TODAY) will move from the West Coast eastward, bringing a variety of hazardous weather conditions including heavy rain and snow in the west, a potential severe thunderstorm outbreak with tornadoes in the central and southern US, blizzard conditions in the Plains, and high winds across many regions. Specific areas like Alabama and Panama City Beach, Florida, are highlighted for multiple rounds of severe weather coinciding with the start of spring break. Residents across the affected areas are urged to monitor forecasts and prepare for potential power outages, travel disruptions, and property damage.Key Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:1. Nationwide Impact of a Major Storm System:A significant storm is forecast to move across the entire United States over the next week. As stated by USA TODAY, "Over the next week, tens of millions of Americans will be at risk of severe weather as a colossal storm marches across the country..."The storm will begin on the West Coast on Wednesday, bringing rain and snow, and then track eastward, impacting the central and eastern states through the weekend. (weather.com, FOX Weather)AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines described the storm as potentially "among the strongest on record in terms of low pressure," emphasizing its significance. (USA TODAY)2. Severe Thunderstorm Outbreak Potential:A major threat associated with this storm is the potential for a severe weather outbreak, including tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail, primarily across the central and southern United States on Friday and Saturday. (weather.com, FOX Weather)FOX Weather reports that "Millions of people across more than half of the U.S. could see damaging winds, tornadoes and even a potential severe weather outbreak on Friday and Saturday."The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is highlighting areas in the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys as being at the greatest risk for severe weather on Friday, with the threat shifting east towards the Southeast on Saturday. (weather.com, FOX Weather)USA TODAY notes concerns from Kines that this storm "could cause a 'tornado outbreak,' spinning up dozens of twisters from the Gulf Coast to the Midwest."Widespread damaging winds of 65 to 75 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 100 mph, are also a major concern associated with these thunderstorms. (USA TODAY)

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Florida Insurance Companies Hide BIG Profits to Raise Homeowners RatesMeteorology Matters summarizes the findings of a 2022 report commissioned by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR) analyzing fees paid by Florida domestic property insurers to their affiliates between 2017 and 2019. This internal report, recently brought to public attention by the Tampa Bay Times/Herald in a February 2025 article, reveals significant financial activity between insurers and their affiliates, including substantial net income for affiliates while some insurers experienced net losses (excluding outliers). The analysis raises concerns about the "fair and reasonable" nature of these affiliated agreements, the potential for misuse of Managing General Agent (MGA) structures, and the need for enhanced regulatory oversight.II. Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:A. Scope and Methodology of the FLOIR Analysis:The FLOIR engaged Risk & Regulatory Consulting, LLC to analyze fees paid by 53 Florida domestic property insurers to their affiliates over a three-year period (2017-2019). This period was chosen to avoid single-year anomalies.The analysis considered various factors, including gross written premiums, total affiliated fees, percentage of fees to premium, number of policies, net income of insurers and affiliates, capital contributions, fee waivers, and dividends.The evaluation of whether fees were "fair and reasonable" considered Florida Administrative Rule 69O-143.047, NAIC accounting principles, and guidance from the NAIC Financial Analysis Handbook.Forty-one (41) of the 53 reviewed companies utilized an MGA or Attorney-in-Fact (AIF) to administer operations.Compensation methods for affiliated and non-affiliated agreements varied widely, including percentages of premium, hourly rates, fixed fees, commissions, and combinations thereof.

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President Donald Trump's second administration has swiftly implemented a broad agenda of environmental deregulation and a significant shift in priorities within federal agencies. Key themes emerging from the first month include a reversal of Biden-era environmental justice and climate change initiatives, a push for energy dominance through expedited permitting and favoring fossil fuels, a freeze and potential rollback of numerous regulations, significant personnel changes and budget freezes at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies, and a withdrawal from international environmental agreements. These actions have been met with legal challenges and strong criticism from environmental advocates and the scientific community, who warn of detrimental consequences for public health, the environment, and scientific progress.Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:1. Reversal of Biden Administration Environmental Priorities:Environmental Justice and Climate Change: President Trump's Day One executive orders reversed the priorities of the Biden administration, which had emphasized environmental justice, regulatory enforcement, and addressing climate change.The EPA website has eliminated most instances of the terms "environmental justice" and "climate change."EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the "Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative," which does not explicitly prioritize environmental justice or climate change in the same way as the previous administration. Its five pillars are: Clean Air, Land and Water for Every American; Restore American Energy Dominance; Permitting Reform, Cooperative Federalism and Cross-Agency Partnership; Make the United States the Artificial Intelligence Capital of the World; and Protecting and Bringing Back American Auto Jobs.An executive order ended DEI initiatives, including the termination of "to the maximum extent allowed by law, all ‘environmental justice’ offices and positions." The EJScreen tool website is no longer functional.Staff in EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice & External Civil Rights were informed of the office's imminent closure.EPA linked to Administrator Zeldin's post announcing the administrative leave of DEI and environmental justice-focused employees, stating, "The previous Administration used DEI and Environmental Justice to advance ideological priorities, distributing billions of dollars to organizations in the name of climate equity. This ends now."Paris Agreement: President Trump issued an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement.

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The Trump administration is implementing significant workforce reductions across the federal government, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facing a potential 20% staff cut. This briefing document outlines the key themes and concerns arising from these proposed and ongoing layoffs, including the potential impact on weather forecasting, climate research, the space industry, and broader scientific leadership. Sources highlight that these cuts are part of a larger administration effort, driven by an executive order and influenced by policy blueprints like Project 2025, which views NOAA as a driver of "climate change alarm." Scientists, industry leaders, and organizations are expressing alarm over the potential consequences of these reductions on public safety, economic stability, and America's standing in science and technology.Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:1. Substantial Workforce Reductions at NOAA:NOAA has been instructed to prepare for an additional 1,000 worker layoffs.This comes on top of approximately 1,300 NOAA staff members who have already resigned or been laid off in recent weeks.Combined, these reductions would represent nearly 20% of NOAA’s roughly 13,000-member workforce.Managers within NOAA have been asked to submit layoff and reorganization proposals with little guidance on program prioritization for cuts.The administration aims for rapid, large-scale cuts to the federal bureaucracy, with NOAA being specifically targeted.Quote: "Together, the reductions would represent nearly 20 percent of NOAA’s approximately 13,000-member work force." (New York Times)2. Potential Impact on Critical NOAA Functions:Scientists and meteorologists at NOAA are alarmed, fearing that these cuts could hinder the National Weather Service’s ability to produce lifesaving forecasts, especially with hurricane and disaster season approaching.Some activities, such as the launching of weather balloons, have already been suspended due to staffing shortages.The staff departures have already affected NOAA’s operations in various areas, including:Predicting hurricanes and tornadoes.Overseeing fisheries and endangered species.Monitoring climate change and ecosystems.Experts warn that reduced staffing could "interfere with important weather forecasting in advance of hurricane season and other natural disasters." (ET)Quote: "Together with recent firings and resignations, the new cuts could hamper the National Weather Service’s ability to produce lifesaving forecasts, scientists say." (New York Times)3. Broader Federal Workforce Reduction Initiatives:NOAA is not the only agency facing significant cuts. Other agencies reportedly targeted include:Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Intends to eliminate almost 50% of its staff.Social Security Administration: Reportedly ordered to cut its employees in half.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Could face a 65% staff reduction, driven by attempts to retract environmental rules.Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Aiming to eliminate roughly 80,000 jobs.Office of Community Planning and Development (HUD): Facing a potential 84% personnel cut.

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National Hurricane Center Product and Service Updates for 2025Meteorology Matters summarizes the key updates to products and services that the National Hurricane Center (NHC) will implement for the 2025 hurricane season, as outlined in the provided document. These updates aim to improve public communication of hurricane risks, enhance forecast accuracy, and provide more detailed information on potential impacts.Main Themes:Enhanced Communication of Inland Wind and Rip Current Risks: The NHC is focusing on improving the communication of hurricane-related risks beyond the immediate coastline, specifically addressing inland wind threats and dangerous rip currents.Earlier Issuance of Advisories for Potential Tropical Cyclones: Recognizing the need for timely warnings, the NHC will now issue advisory products for potential tropical cyclones earlier in their development.Increased Detail and Lead Time in Wind and Wave Forecasts: Forecast information regarding hurricane-force winds will be extended, and the representation of sea state in forecasts will be updated to better align with user preferences.Introduction of Probabilistic Storm Surge Guidance for Hawaii: For the first time, the Hawaiian Islands will receive probabilistic storm surge forecasts, providing a more nuanced understanding of potential inundation.Continued Improvement in Track Forecast Accuracy: The NHC's track forecast error cone will be reduced in size for both the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific basins, reflecting ongoing improvements in forecasting.Leveraging Social Media for Real-time Updates and Outreach: The NHC continues to utilize various social media platforms to provide timely information, engage with the public, and enhance outreach efforts.Most Important Ideas and Facts:1. Experimental Cone Graphic with Inland Watches and Warnings:Change: The NHC will continue to issue an experimental version of the hurricane cone graphic that includes a depiction of inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings for the continental United States.Rationale: This is based on feedback from the 2024 season and social science research suggesting it will "help communicate wind risk during tropical cyclone events while not overcomplicating the current version of the graphic."New Feature: The experimental cone legend will now include symbology for areas under simultaneous hurricane watch and tropical storm warning (diagonal pink and blue lines).Availability: It will be available on hurricanes.gov for full and intermediate advisories, generally within 30 minutes of the advisory release, though potential technical issues could affect timeliness.Operational Graphic: The current operational cone graphic, which only depicts coastal watches/warnings, will remain available without changes.Feedback: There will be an opportunity to provide comments on the experimental graphic.

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NOAA's Office of Aircraft Operations and the National Hurricane CenterRecent layoffs at NOAA's Office of Aircraft Operations (OAO), home of the Hurricane Hunters, and staffing reductions at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) are raising significant concerns about the future quality of hurricane monitoring, prediction, and warnings. The termination of key personnel, particularly flight directors for the Hurricane Hunter aircraft, threatens the ability to maintain crucial 24/7 flight operations during significant hurricane events. Experts warn that these cuts, coupled with potential further staff and funding reductions outlined in the administration's "Project 2025" plan, could lead to less accurate forecasts, increased risks for coastal communities, and a degradation of vital hurricane research. The specialized capabilities of NOAA's Hurricane Hunter aircraft, particularly their Doppler radar, are critical for feeding data into advanced forecast models, and a reduction in their operation would negatively impact forecast accuracy.Main Themes and Key Ideas:1. Layoffs at NOAA's Office of Aircraft Operations (Hurricane Hunters):Significant Staff Reduction in Key Roles: NOAA laid off two flight directors and one electronic engineer on February 28th. Flight directors, meteorologists responsible for mission safety from a meteorological perspective, are required on every Hurricane Hunter mission.As Jeff Masters notes, "every hurricane hunter mission is required to carry a flight director – a meteorologist who is charged with ensuring the safety of the mission from a meteorological perspective."Reduced Capacity for 24/7 Operations: The loss of two flight directors reduces the number from eight (needed for continuous operation of three aircraft) to just six. This barely covers the twice-daily flight schedule during significant hurricanes, leaving no buffer for illness or other unforeseen circumstances.Kerri Englert, one of the fired flight directors, stated that NOAA had aimed for ten flight director positions, but the layoffs left only six. "Now, she said, if one flight director is sick, there will be fewer hurricane hunter flights."Potential for Further Staff Depletions: Concerns exist that remaining staff may seek new employment due to job insecurity, exacerbating the staffing shortage.Masters suggests, "if I still had my old job as a flight director for NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters, worries about my job security would have me looking hard for new employment."Impact on Data Quality, Not Just Quantity: While the Air Force also operates hurricane hunter aircraft, NOAA's planes possess unique capabilities, particularly Doppler radar, which provides detailed 3D storm imagery crucial for forecast models.Masters emphasizes, "the loss of a NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft because of short staffing will not greatly reduce the overall quantity of flights undertaken. However, it will significantly reduce the quality of the data collected, potentially negatively impacting hurricane forecasts."

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