Over the last 100 years, humans have made great strides in developing technologies
that can forecast severe weather before it happens. However, despite the best scientific
data and tools available, we are still sometimes surprised by weather. In 2015, an
unexpected spring storm produced severe tornadoes in lowa. Sometimes-even with
computer models and satellite imaging tornadoes, hurricanes, and other severe
storms cause unspeakable damage to communities.
Do you
think humans will ever be able to forecast severe weather with 100% accuracy?
What challenges do we face in developing technology that can do so? Besides
forecasting tools, what other technology is needed to prevent severe storms from
causing disasters? Do you think all countries have the financial capability to support the
development and operation of these technologies? If not, do you think there is an
ethical obligation for countries with more financial resources to help poorer countries
access these technologies?
