Key Federal Climate Operations Closed With Government Shutdown
Most programs directly involved in weather forecasting will remain open as “essential services” during the government shutdown. However, many departments critical to climate change effects will close. The National Flood Insurance Program will be almost entirely closed. The Environmental Protection Agency will lose about three-quarters of its staff for the duration.
One of the most important programs for those already hit by disasters will be shuttered. The National Flood Insurance Program is suspended. According to Bloomberg, “That’s because the major source of flood insurance for millions of homeowners is among the non-essential government services caught up in the shutdown, and new policies can’t be initiated while it’s ongoing.” Most people lack the financial resources to rebuild their homes without assistance from insurance.
National Weather Service
The challenge is whether Trump decides that the Weather Service is not an “essential service” or thinks its staff can be cut back for the duration of the shutdown. Based on the Trump playbook, this is out of the question. He has certainly closed other government operations partially.
If the Weather Service is cut back at all, particularly during hurricane season, the risk of a catastrophe rises sharply. And, it would be unwise to think that there are no disasters beyond hurricanes. The wildfire season is now a year-round occurrence.
If the shutdown goes on for weeks, the federal government’s entire climate and climate-related functions could be deeply compromised.
Sponsor
Find a Vetted Financial Advisor
- Finding a fiduciary financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area in 5 minutes.
- Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Get on the path toward achieving your financial goals!
More from ClimateCrisis 247
- Five Homes Collapse Into The Ocean, Climate Threatens
- $1 Million Won’t Buy A Luxury Home In Miami
- Environmentalists Shocked By Coal’s Return
- OpenAI Expects Industry To Use A third Of All U.S. Electricity
