Earlier this year, the U.S. experienced its costliest run of climate disasters ever: from record-breaking wildfires in Los Angeles to powerful storms across the country, Climate Central reports that the first half of 2025 racked up a whopping $101 billion in damages 💸.
But there's a catch: due to recent cuts by the Trump administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has stopped tracking this critical data. NOAA, the federal agency you might liken to India's IMD or the Philippines' PAGASA, is now offline in terms of compiling disaster costs 🌐.
Why does this matter for young changemakers in South and Southeast Asia? When major climate events go unrecorded, it slows down global efforts to understand trends—like erratic monsoons in Bangladesh or coral bleaching in Indonesia—and weakens the case for bold climate policies. Data is power, and without it, fighting man-made climate change feels like trying to win a cricket match with no scorecard 📊.
Climate Central's data gave us clear insights into where resources are needed most, from rebuilding communities after floods to supporting firefighters battling megafires. Now, with NOAA's tracker offline, researchers and policymakers will face blind spots just as the planet heats up.
For tech-savvy, eco-minded pros, this shutdown is a reminder: robust climate data fuels innovation—think AI-powered flood warnings or blockchain-based carbon credits. Without accurate info, these tools can't reach their potential.
So what's next? Stay informed by following independent platforms, support open-data initiatives, and push for accountability—because the climate fight needs all of us 🌱. Share this article and keep the conversation going!
Reference(s):
Climate disasters hit record costs as tracking system is shut down
cgtn.com
