A Message from AMS President David J. Stensrud
In recent weeks the new administration has been rolling out executive orders that directly impact the public sector component of the weather and climate enterprise and are already reaching into the other sectors. The depth of these changes is unclear, but it seems apparent that the weather and climate enterprise we know today will not be the same tomorrow.
Our community has worked diligently and constructively over several decades to delineate the roles played by the private, public, non-profit and academic sectors in service to our nation. The goal has been to increase the effectiveness of the weather and climate enterprise, taking advantage of the strengths of each sector and building synergies across sectors. The result of these partnerships has been impressive, providing a very large return on public investment by all measures that I have seen. In addition to advancing foundational science that is critical to weather forecasting, we provide essential services that the public relies upon to stay safe, that businesses rely upon for their economic health and security, that guide future investments across large portions of the economy, and that educate future leaders.
Communication with our elected representatives is crucial right now. We all have a voice, and we are stronger together than apart. AMS is working with other scientific societies to amplify our voice about the importance of science and our community’s role in service to the nation. At this critical juncture, I urge you to contact your elected representatives in the U.S. House and Senate and share your perspectives on our successes and their importance to our country.
Whichever sector you work in, you are a valued and integral part of the weather and climate enterprise and you should be proud of all that we have accomplished. The work we do is a vital part of our nation’s infrastructure and contributes to its security and prosperity.
David Stensrud
2025 AMS President