Weather Geeks brings the science of weather and climate to a broad audience through conversations with experts and thought leaders across the atmospheric sciences and beyond. Hosted by former AMS President Marshall Shepherd, the award-winning podcast explores the science and the stories behind the weather that affects our lives.
AMS Executive Director Amanda Staudt recently joined Shepherd on Weather Geeks to discuss her path to AMS, the evolving role of the Earth system sciences, and the importance of connecting science with the broader public.
During the conversation, Staudt also shared her thoughts on the future direction of AMS and the broader weather, water, and climate enterprise. As AMS develops its next strategic plan, she emphasizes the importance of listening to voices across the community, and helping the public navigate a changing environment.
“As I think about what our community is striving toward,” Staudt said, “it’s something along the lines of ensuring that all people have the knowledge, opportunities, and resources they need to be resilient in the face of changing and increasingly complex weather, water, and climate conditions.”
She emphasized that this vision also means making AMS more welcoming and useful to a broad range of people, while ensuring that the information the Society provides remains both credible and relevant.
“There are a few areas where AMS, as a professional society, may have an even larger role to play,” Staudt said.
One is helping ensure that decision-makers and the public understand the value of weather, water, and climate information and trust it enough to use it in their everyday decisions. Staudt noted that establishing credibility has long been part of the role of professional societies, including through AMS certifications.
Another priority is supporting the workforce. Staudt highlighted the need for a highly skilled and adaptable workforce that draws on a broad range of expertise and perspectives, with support available throughout the career pipeline—from K–12 education through professional development and career transitions.
“People are going to have to change jobs and develop new skills more frequently, and we need to help them navigate those transitions,” she said.
Finally, Staudt pointed to the weather, water, and climate community’s longstanding ability to bring together the private sector, academia, and government. She sees an opportunity for AMS to build on that tradition and foster new collaborations.
“We need to continue to lead in that area, thinking creatively about how we bring those groups together to address the challenges ahead,” she said.
Listen to the full episode of Weather Geeks to hear more of Staudt’s perspective on the future of the weather, water, and climate community as well as her work in climate policy, the role of AI in our sciences, and how she became a ‘weather geek.’
