2025 is shaping up to be a brutal year for climate disasters – and we’re losing count. The first six months alone saw $101 billion in damages from historic wildfires in Los Angeles and extreme storms nationwide, according to nonprofit Climate Central. But here’s the twist: the U.S. government stopped tracking this data months ago. 🔥
The Cost of Chaos
NOAA’s disaster monitoring system – once a global gold standard – went dark earlier this year after Trump-era budget cuts took effect. Scientists call this a “blindfold moment” for climate action. 🌎💸
Data Blackout Sparks Concerns
Without federal tracking, cities and insurers now rely on patchy nonprofit reports. “It’s like fighting wildfires with a water pistol,” said CGTN analyst Ediz Tiyansan. The shutdown comes as 72% of young Americans list climate change as their top voting issue this election year. 🗳️🌿
