Tag: NOAA

Science will prevail

Science Will Prevail

On By Kalpana SutariaIn CCLATX, ScienceLeave a comment

Re: Aug. 31 article, “Scientists: Climate is deeply flawed”

It is beyond mind boggling and painful to see what the Trump administration wants the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy to repeal climate regulation and cherry-pick scientific findings to create doubt on proven facts, no matter what it does to the health of people.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. had an average of 3.7 events per year with a loss of more than $1 billion between 1980 and 1989. That shot up to an average of 18 events per year between 2013 and 2022. Each such event wrecks lives and livelihoods, and 2.3 million Texans who live within a half mile of oil and gas operations would be at a greater risk of methane pollution without these rules.

If rescinded, such irresponsible and cynical actions would be devastating for many. You can oppose repeal of “endangerment finding” of 2009 by submitting comments by September 21 through the EPA website.

Peer-reviewed research by scientists will stand the test of time.

Published by the Austin American-Statesman on September 6, 2025, in Opinions//Letters

Kalpana Sutaria, Member, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Austin, Architect, Author, and an environmental advocate dedicated to tackling Global Warming Challenges

Kalana Sutaria Book from Atmosphere
Texas climate disaster

Texans are Counting on Sen. Ted Cruz to do the Right Thing on Climate Change

On By Kalpana SutariaIn CCLATX, Extreme Weather, Natural Disaster1 Comment

Re: Nov. 17 op-ed. Ted Cruz has a chance to lead on climate change. Texans should demand it.

As a Texan who is deeply concerned about the effects of global warming on millions of people in Texas, I want Sen. Ted Cruz to listen to all his constituents. We have lived through wildfires, hurricanes, floods, winter storms and droughts. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, our state has a distinction of having 188 weather disasters from 1980 to 2024, with losses exceeding $1 billion each. Millions of Texans have suffered physically, mentally and financially.

While overseeing the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee we want Sen. Cruz to work for the safety and welfare of all people across our country to reduce risks and losses. The majority of U.S. citizens want elected leaders to address the climate crisis by working together like Sen. John McCain did. It is not a partisan issue; global warming affects all of us. You can do it Sen. Cruz!

Kalpana Sutaria, Project Manager, City of Austin and Member, Austin Metro Chapter, Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Published by the Austin American-Statesman

November 24, 2024

Texas’ best last chance to fight climate change and its disasters

On By CCLATXIn Extreme WeatherLeave a comment

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and that’s been true of climate-related weather disasters as well. According to NOAA, since 1980 Texas has experienced 140 climate-related disasters that caused at least $1 billion dollars in damage, more than any other state.

As climate change continues to make weather events more frequent and severe, that price tag is only expected to rise.

That’s why it’s time for Sens. Cruz and Cornyn to support strong policies to reduce carbon pollution. The climate provisions of the Build Back Better Act would provide incentives for utilities to switch to renewable energy sources. It’s an approach previously proposed by Republicans and one that would bolster Texas’ wind and solar sectors.

This is our best last chance to protect Texans from more floods, hurricanes and crop-withering droughts. If we act now, maybe we can say to the next generation, when it came to fixing climate change, we did it bigger in Texas.

Elaine Robbins

Austin American-Statesman

February 6, 2022

Still time to avert disasters if we transition to clean energy

On By CCLATXIn Extreme WeatherLeave a comment

Re: December 19, 2021 Article, “Extreme summer reveals stunning shift in rainfall”

Thanks for this well-researched article.  

According to the article, while deluges grow east of the Rockies, the West experiences serious drought conditions, and, “NOAA reported at least 133 ‘billion-dollar disasters’ in the decade ending in 2020, double the previous decade, at a cost of more than $867 billion.”

One would think that such an increase in frequency of weather disasters would prompt strong action from our leaders. We are losing precious time. Scientists tell us that there is still time if steps are taken to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Those who lose everything including lives of their loved ones, know how quickly some of the powerful disasters can wipe out their homes and businesses. We need to address the root causes of reducing carbon emissions by pricing carbon. Ask your representative to support carbon fee and dividend as part of Build Back Better legislation.

Kalpana Sutaria

Austin American-Statesman

January 3, 2022