The next generation of weather, water, and climate scientists (NGWWC) will have tools at their disposal that previous generations didn’t have. The NGWWC scientists will embrace AI as a tool to assist in deciphering data, building new methods and models, and further developing new tools. We can’t ignore the concern for job loss due to AI and automation, but that shouldn’t be assumed to be a given in all sectors. Nonetheless, the sage advice of diversifying and having a plan B and plan C becomes more relevant in science careers than ever. The NGWWC scientist must embrace a fundamental human skill—communication. That’s explaining the complexities and the value of science to everyday people and policymakers in terms they can understand, sometimes on nontraditional platforms.
The NGWWC scientists will be a much more diverse group in so many ways than ever before. They will also have challenges that previous generations did not face. These challenges extend and follow the challenges that exploded in our lives in recent years. In the U.S., public support for science has been eroded, and we’ve seen how quickly the status quo in data collection, research funding, and job security can fall apart, for no good reason. Then, there’s the loss of institutional knowledge by job cuts and dismantling. I’m saddened for what we’ve lost, but I remain optimistic. In part, because I have to be. Giving up and giving in is not an option.
I’m optimistic because in interacting with our AMS student chapter members and individual students and early-career professionals, I see the same curiosity, drive, passion, and love for the atmospheric sciences that I’ve always seen in colleagues. I’m optimistic based on the support and energy I see in AMS amongst our officers, volunteers, and staff. I’m optimistic because the world will not stop spinning and the wind will not cease. The atmosphere is a great unifier. There will only be greater need worldwide for NGWWC scientists to understand our planet and how it supports humanity. I’m heartened when I look at the quantity and quality of work by our members nominated for recognition and awards. I’m heartened to see the number of voices raised in opposition to proposals to weaken or dismantle science and institutions that have so much value to health, prosperity, and safety, and even more pleased to see that raising our voices separately and together does make a difference. That’s something you see AMS leadership do in writing, but know that we do it as well with visits to congressional representatives. By the way, you have that same right.
We’re in the midst of turbulence—stormy times. Damage is being done beyond our control. At some point the winds will subside and each of us and our communities must rebuild. The NGWWC scientists must reimagine a more robust, resilient, efficient, and flexible enterprise to stand up to future storms. AMS remains a support resource for current and NGWWC scientists, connecting us with others to collaborate on opportunities and solutions. Our next convening is coming up quickly at the Washington Forum/Summer Community Meeting on July 21st. I’ll see you there? If you don’t make it, plan for the Madison Summit in early August, and certainly for our Annual Meeting in Denver in early January 2027, for which abstracts are now open.
