The topic I am focusing on is not new to the weather community. It's been talked about for decades…maybe longer!

But, I've taken a new look at it from the perspective of the “weather” versus “climate” debate, with a focus on educators and TV meteorologists. What I've discovered is frightening. The reason that the public doesn't “get it,” is because we (meteorologists, climatologists, geographers, geologists, educators and others) don't “get it.”

Take a moment and write down your definitions of “weather” and “climate.” Then check to see if these definitions are employed properly throughout our varied professions. You might just be surprised to see that they are not!

In this paper, I'll focus on what we aren't doing correctly (even down to elementary and middle school textbooks) and why we should work closely with NOAA and the AMS to remedy the situation before we continue our “climate change” dialogue.