On 21 November 2023, AGU sent a letter of endorsement to Representative Cartwright (D-PA-8) for the Preparedness and Risk Management for Extreme Weather Patterns Assuring Resilience and Effectiveness (PREPARE) Act of 2023.

 

On behalf of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and our worldwide Earth and space science community, I am writing to thank you for re-introducing the Preparedness and Risk Management for Extreme Weather Patterns Assuring Resilience and Effectiveness (PREPARE) Act of 2023 and to, once again, offer AGU’s support for this important legislation. 

 

We applaud the constructive steps this bill takes towards improving the nation’s resiliency and infrastructure during severe weather events. Every year, our society incurs devastating losses, both human and economic, from extreme weather-related hazards. As of November 8, 2023, there have already been 25 extreme weather events in the U.S. this year that each cost at least $1 billion—surpassing the previous record of 22 such events in 2020.i It is critical that federal, state, Tribal and local decisionmakers have the best possible information, when it comes to natural disasters that affect American livelihoods. 

 

We also applaud the bill’s acknowledgement of the vulnerable and underserved individuals and communities who are disproportionately harmed by extreme weather. Effective resilience strategies must be based both on sound science and the needs of the impacted communities. Together we can create a more resilient society, where lives are saved and economic losses are minimized. 

 

AGU appreciates your continued leadership in making science-informed policy to build a prepared and resilient society. Given our strong shared interests in addressing the impacts of extreme weather, we look forward to continuing working with you on this critical issue.