John Morales, a seasoned meteorologist at WTVJ in Miami, emotionally recounted the moment he was moved to tears while reporting on Hurricane Milton in October 2024. Witnessing the rapid intensification of the storm off the coasts of Florida and Mexico, Morales realized the devastating potential impact, leading him to emphasize the urgency for preparedness and action in light of the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events.
Hurricane Milton resulted in the loss of 15 lives in the U.S. and Mexico, with an additional 27 indirect deaths and $34.3 billion in damages reported in Florida by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Morales expressed a mix of emotions including climate anxiety, grief for the victims, and frustration over the lack of substantial action taken despite his long-standing efforts to raise climate awareness.
Reflecting on his career evolution, Morales highlighted the pivotal moment when former Vice President Al Gore urged meteorologists to address climate change, inspiring him to incorporate climate-related discussions into his broadcasts. Despite initial challenges, Morales gradually gained support and recognition for his climate advocacy work.
While Morales now experiences more audience appreciation for his climate reporting, not all meteorologists have had a smooth journey. Chris Gloninger, a former meteorologist at NBC’s WBTS in Boston, faced backlash and even death threats for discussing climate change on air. Eventually, Gloninger transitioned to a role in Des Moines, Iowa, where he continued to emphasize climate trends and renewable energy impacts despite encountering resistance and threats.
In Canada, climate change communication among meteorologists differs, with The Weather Network focusing on integrating climate change into extreme weather reporting rather than standalone climate segments. Despite some challenges reported by Canadian weather broadcasters, there is recognition of the importance of incorporating climate change information into weather broadcasts to inform and protect the public.
For Gloninger and many meteorologists, the commitment to raising climate awareness remains a core aspect of their profession, driven by the desire to safeguard lives and property through informed and proactive reporting.