Why Cover Climate?

Contrary to its portrayal outside of scientific media, climate science is non-partisan. By setting expectations, the climate perspective can add value to any weather broadcast. Sub-seasonal to seasonal prediction is relevant to every business sector, especially agriculture and energy. This coming winter's predicted El Niño suggests most of us should prepare for regionally significant departures from average temperature and precipitation through the winter. Those general predictions are important for anticipating opportunities and impacts. Trends and thresholds inherent to climate change are also important for business and community planning. By focusing on local opportunities and vulnerabilities that are influenced by the climate system, broadcasters can add value and continue to build interest and trust in their own forecasts. Broadcast meteorologists are the messengers of choice to advance the national conversation about the climate system.