1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,800 Hey everybody, welcome back to Meteorology Matters. 2 00:00:01,800 --> 00:00:03,440 It's great to have you with us as always. 3 00:00:03,440 --> 00:00:04,560 Glad to be here. 4 00:00:04,560 --> 00:00:07,840 So today we're diving into something really interesting 5 00:00:07,840 --> 00:00:10,360 that y'all have sent us a bunch of articles about recently. 6 00:00:10,360 --> 00:00:13,340 And it seems like it's kind of making a comeback. 7 00:00:13,340 --> 00:00:15,100 And that's the Alt National Park Service. 8 00:00:15,100 --> 00:00:16,640 The Alt NPS. 9 00:00:16,640 --> 00:00:20,120 Yeah, so to help us kind of unpack all this 10 00:00:20,120 --> 00:00:23,320 and connect the dots, we have an expert here with us 11 00:00:23,320 --> 00:00:25,400 who's really good at kind of seeing the big picture. 12 00:00:25,400 --> 00:00:26,960 Well, thank you, it's a fascinating topic. 13 00:00:26,960 --> 00:00:31,200 It is. So these articles point out 14 00:00:31,200 --> 00:00:35,520 that this whole Alt NPS thing first kind of popped up in 2017 15 00:00:35,520 --> 00:00:38,520 as a reaction to the Trump administration's 16 00:00:40,160 --> 00:00:41,560 attempts to control the narrative 17 00:00:41,560 --> 00:00:43,360 and like the flow of information, 18 00:00:43,360 --> 00:00:44,800 especially when it came to climate change. 19 00:00:44,800 --> 00:00:46,720 Right, yeah, particularly around climate change, 20 00:00:46,720 --> 00:00:48,680 there was a lot of pushback during that administration 21 00:00:48,680 --> 00:00:50,320 around the communication of science. 22 00:00:50,320 --> 00:00:53,320 Right, and it's interesting because now in 2025, 23 00:00:53,320 --> 00:00:56,640 it's like we're seeing kind of a resurgence 24 00:00:56,640 --> 00:00:58,520 of that same kind of energy. 25 00:00:58,520 --> 00:01:01,000 You know, it's like history repeating itself in a way. 26 00:01:01,000 --> 00:01:05,000 Exactly, it seems like every time there's a perceived threat 27 00:01:05,000 --> 00:01:07,840 to the environment or to scientific integrity, 28 00:01:07,840 --> 00:01:11,760 these citizen led movements emerge as a form of resistance. 29 00:01:11,760 --> 00:01:13,320 Yeah, and you know, one of the things 30 00:01:13,320 --> 00:01:16,040 that really stood out to me in these articles 31 00:01:16,040 --> 00:01:19,600 was the Badlands National Park incident back in 2017. 32 00:01:19,600 --> 00:01:22,080 Oh yeah, that was a pivotal moment. 33 00:01:22,080 --> 00:01:24,160 You know, when the park's official account 34 00:01:24,160 --> 00:01:26,560 tweeted about climate change facts 35 00:01:26,560 --> 00:01:28,560 and then the tweets were just like deleted. 36 00:01:28,560 --> 00:01:30,800 Yeah, it was a really blatant attempt 37 00:01:30,800 --> 00:01:34,280 to censor information and it really sparked this wave 38 00:01:34,280 --> 00:01:37,640 of unofficial rogue accounts popping up to fill the void. 39 00:01:37,640 --> 00:01:39,680 And that's where the Alt NPS Twitter account 40 00:01:39,680 --> 00:01:41,000 kind of came onto the scene, right? 41 00:01:41,000 --> 00:01:42,800 Exactly, at Alt Net Park, sir, 42 00:01:42,800 --> 00:01:44,120 which is what it was called at the time, 43 00:01:44,120 --> 00:01:46,440 it just exploded in popularity and became a voice 44 00:01:46,440 --> 00:01:48,480 for people who were concerned about the environment 45 00:01:48,480 --> 00:01:50,480 and wanted to stay informed. 46 00:01:50,480 --> 00:01:52,280 And I think a lot of people just assumed 47 00:01:52,280 --> 00:01:54,480 that it was park rangers running that account. 48 00:01:54,480 --> 00:01:56,000 Right, there was this widespread belief 49 00:01:56,000 --> 00:01:58,800 that it was park employees who were sort of going rogue 50 00:01:58,800 --> 00:02:00,560 and speaking out against the administration. 51 00:02:00,560 --> 00:02:01,400 But it wasn't. 52 00:02:01,400 --> 00:02:02,400 But it wasn't. 53 00:02:02,400 --> 00:02:04,200 One of the articles we were sent includes 54 00:02:04,200 --> 00:02:05,560 this really interesting interview 55 00:02:05,560 --> 00:02:07,760 with one of the creators of the account. 56 00:02:07,760 --> 00:02:08,600 Oh, wow. 57 00:02:08,600 --> 00:02:10,360 And it turns out it was actually this group 58 00:02:10,360 --> 00:02:12,720 of international activists and journalists 59 00:02:12,720 --> 00:02:13,760 who were behind it. 60 00:02:13,760 --> 00:02:14,600 Really? 61 00:02:14,600 --> 00:02:16,880 Yeah, they were really worried about the implications 62 00:02:16,880 --> 00:02:20,080 of the Trump administration's policies on the environment. 63 00:02:20,080 --> 00:02:22,840 So they decided to create this platform 64 00:02:22,840 --> 00:02:25,720 to share information and mobilize people. 65 00:02:25,720 --> 00:02:26,560 That's wild. 66 00:02:26,560 --> 00:02:29,360 And they were anonymous, right, for obvious reasons. 67 00:02:29,360 --> 00:02:31,360 Right, they were afraid of repercussions 68 00:02:31,360 --> 00:02:32,800 if their identities were revealed. 69 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:34,760 And they actually talked in the interview 70 00:02:34,760 --> 00:02:36,560 about these internal debates they had 71 00:02:36,560 --> 00:02:38,760 about how to operate the account. 72 00:02:38,760 --> 00:02:40,640 Should they stay completely impartial 73 00:02:40,640 --> 00:02:43,160 or should they take a more politically active stance? 74 00:02:43,160 --> 00:02:46,000 I can only imagine how tough those conversations must have been. 75 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:46,840 Oh, absolutely. 76 00:02:46,840 --> 00:02:47,960 They were walking this tightrope 77 00:02:47,960 --> 00:02:49,880 trying to be a source of credible information 78 00:02:49,880 --> 00:02:53,480 while also navigating the very real risks associated 79 00:02:53,480 --> 00:02:56,560 with speaking out against a powerful administration. 80 00:02:56,560 --> 00:02:58,560 And eventually, they ended up handing the account over, 81 00:02:58,560 --> 00:02:59,280 didn't they? 82 00:02:59,280 --> 00:03:02,920 Yeah, they changed the handle to at Notal World. 83 00:03:02,920 --> 00:03:04,680 And then there was another account 84 00:03:04,680 --> 00:03:08,840 that kind of took over called at LLTUSNPS, 85 00:03:08,840 --> 00:03:11,240 which was raising money for the National Park Service. 86 00:03:11,240 --> 00:03:12,640 Right, and even that account claimed 87 00:03:12,640 --> 00:03:14,160 to be supporting the parks, 88 00:03:14,160 --> 00:03:16,640 but it wasn't actually run by park employees either. 89 00:03:16,640 --> 00:03:18,080 Exactly, it was all very murky. 90 00:03:18,080 --> 00:03:19,880 And there was a lot of concern at the time 91 00:03:19,880 --> 00:03:22,320 about these rogue accounts potentially 92 00:03:22,320 --> 00:03:23,440 misleading the public, 93 00:03:23,440 --> 00:03:26,520 especially since they had such large following. 94 00:03:26,520 --> 00:03:28,520 It was the wild west of social media activism. 95 00:03:28,520 --> 00:03:31,480 It really was, and now here we are in 2025, 96 00:03:31,480 --> 00:03:35,320 and the all NPS is back this time, mainly on Facebook. 97 00:03:35,320 --> 00:03:37,480 And they're still all about protecting the environment, 98 00:03:37,480 --> 00:03:39,360 but their focus seems to have shifted a bit. 99 00:03:39,360 --> 00:03:41,520 Right now they're directly criticizing 100 00:03:41,520 --> 00:03:43,680 the actions of the second Trump administration, 101 00:03:43,680 --> 00:03:44,880 which, I mean, it makes sense. 102 00:03:44,880 --> 00:03:46,000 I mean, they've been pretty active 103 00:03:46,000 --> 00:03:47,720 since the inauguration back in January. 104 00:03:47,720 --> 00:03:48,560 Yeah. 105 00:03:48,560 --> 00:03:50,440 Absolutely, and I think it's a really interesting evolution. 106 00:03:50,440 --> 00:03:52,880 They're still pushing back against perceived threats 107 00:03:52,880 --> 00:03:56,200 to the environment, but the context has changed. 108 00:03:56,200 --> 00:03:59,680 They're calling out specific actions by the administration, 109 00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:02,400 everything from dismantling US side 110 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:05,760 to pressuring federal employees to resign. 111 00:04:05,760 --> 00:04:06,720 Yeah, let's actually take a look 112 00:04:06,720 --> 00:04:07,960 at some of their Facebook posts, 113 00:04:07,960 --> 00:04:10,160 because some of them are pretty eye-opening. 114 00:04:10,160 --> 00:04:11,880 Their page is just full of examples 115 00:04:11,880 --> 00:04:14,600 of what they see as the administration crossing the line. 116 00:04:14,600 --> 00:04:16,360 What kind of examples are we talking about? 117 00:04:16,360 --> 00:04:19,680 Well, like this one about Elon Musk's staffers 118 00:04:19,680 --> 00:04:21,160 being present at US side 119 00:04:21,160 --> 00:04:23,480 and having access to sensitive data. 120 00:04:23,480 --> 00:04:25,560 Okay, that's definitely something worth digging into. 121 00:04:25,560 --> 00:04:28,000 What's the Alton PS's take on that situation? 122 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:30,280 They're basically raising concerns about transparency 123 00:04:30,280 --> 00:04:32,360 and potential conflicts of interest. 124 00:04:32,360 --> 00:04:34,080 You know, US side eyes are now barred 125 00:04:34,080 --> 00:04:36,320 from any external communication. 126 00:04:36,320 --> 00:04:39,200 Key operations are frozen and these Musk staffers 127 00:04:39,200 --> 00:04:41,520 are just kind of there in the midst of it all. 128 00:04:41,520 --> 00:04:44,600 And this is all happening under the guise of efficiency, right? 129 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:45,920 Right, they claim they're just trying 130 00:04:45,920 --> 00:04:47,640 to streamline things and cut costs, 131 00:04:47,640 --> 00:04:51,400 but the Alton PS is painting a very different picture. 132 00:04:51,400 --> 00:04:52,920 It sounds like they're suggesting 133 00:04:52,920 --> 00:04:55,560 that there's a deeper agenda at play, 134 00:04:55,560 --> 00:04:57,760 perhaps an attempt to control the narrative 135 00:04:57,760 --> 00:05:00,760 around USAID's work or even to undermine its mission. 136 00:05:00,760 --> 00:05:03,040 Exactly, and then there's this other post 137 00:05:03,040 --> 00:05:05,240 about pressure on federal employees. 138 00:05:05,240 --> 00:05:07,280 The Alton PS is claiming that employees 139 00:05:07,280 --> 00:05:10,520 are being forced to resign or face termination, 140 00:05:10,520 --> 00:05:13,320 which I mean, that sounds pretty drastic. 141 00:05:13,320 --> 00:05:14,560 That does sound concerning, 142 00:05:14,560 --> 00:05:16,520 especially in light of what we've been talking about 143 00:05:16,520 --> 00:05:19,200 with the suppression of dissent within the government. 144 00:05:19,200 --> 00:05:20,680 Right, and if you connect that 145 00:05:20,680 --> 00:05:22,440 to the broader political landscape, 146 00:05:22,440 --> 00:05:23,840 it raises some pretty big questions 147 00:05:23,840 --> 00:05:25,640 about the administration's motives. 148 00:05:25,640 --> 00:05:28,320 Like, are these actions truly about efficiency 149 00:05:28,320 --> 00:05:30,840 as they claim or is there something else going on? 150 00:05:30,840 --> 00:05:33,160 Exactly, are they trying to silence 151 00:05:33,160 --> 00:05:36,360 dissenting voices within the government itself? 152 00:05:36,360 --> 00:05:38,680 Are they trying to stack these agencies 153 00:05:38,680 --> 00:05:41,040 with people who are loyal to the administration? 154 00:05:41,040 --> 00:05:42,720 It's hard to say for sure, 155 00:05:42,720 --> 00:05:45,800 but the Alton PS is definitely raising some valid concerns. 156 00:05:45,800 --> 00:05:48,600 And it's not just limited to individual agencies either. 157 00:05:48,600 --> 00:05:50,600 They're also calling out executive orders 158 00:05:50,600 --> 00:05:53,600 that seem to target diversity and inclusion programs, 159 00:05:53,600 --> 00:05:55,120 and they even mention efforts 160 00:05:55,120 --> 00:05:57,840 to reshape the science advisory panels at the EPA. 161 00:05:57,840 --> 00:05:59,320 Wow, so it's like they're connecting 162 00:05:59,320 --> 00:06:01,920 all these seemingly separate actions 163 00:06:01,920 --> 00:06:05,000 and suggesting a pattern, a coordinated effort 164 00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:07,440 to dismantle these safeguards. 165 00:06:07,440 --> 00:06:09,200 Exactly, they're creating this narrative 166 00:06:09,200 --> 00:06:11,840 of a systemic effort to undermine 167 00:06:11,840 --> 00:06:13,840 established institutions and policies 168 00:06:13,840 --> 00:06:16,200 related to both environmental protection 169 00:06:16,200 --> 00:06:17,440 and social justice. 170 00:06:17,440 --> 00:06:18,560 That's a powerful narrative, 171 00:06:18,560 --> 00:06:21,040 and it's no wonder it's resonating with so many people. 172 00:06:21,040 --> 00:06:22,480 It's definitely a lot to process, 173 00:06:22,480 --> 00:06:24,120 and it raises some important questions 174 00:06:24,120 --> 00:06:26,320 about the role of government transparency 175 00:06:26,320 --> 00:06:28,240 and the power dynamics at play, 176 00:06:28,240 --> 00:06:30,800 but it's also incredibly engaging. 177 00:06:30,800 --> 00:06:32,360 I can totally see why this movement 178 00:06:32,360 --> 00:06:33,800 is connecting with people. 179 00:06:33,800 --> 00:06:35,560 What stands out to you the most from all of this? 180 00:06:35,560 --> 00:06:36,760 What do you find the most striking 181 00:06:36,760 --> 00:06:39,000 about the Alton PS's claims? 182 00:06:39,000 --> 00:06:42,120 Honestly, it's the level of detail they're providing. 183 00:06:42,120 --> 00:06:43,600 It's not just vague accusations. 184 00:06:43,600 --> 00:06:45,120 They're giving specific dates, times, 185 00:06:45,120 --> 00:06:47,960 names of individuals, they're even citing legal statutes. 186 00:06:47,960 --> 00:06:48,800 That's a great point. 187 00:06:48,800 --> 00:06:50,040 They're really positioning themselves 188 00:06:50,040 --> 00:06:52,120 as a credible source of information. 189 00:06:52,120 --> 00:06:54,920 They're doing their research and presenting their findings 190 00:06:54,920 --> 00:06:57,680 in a way that's both compelling and informative. 191 00:06:57,680 --> 00:06:59,280 And it's clearly working. 192 00:06:59,280 --> 00:07:01,800 The public is definitely paying attention. 193 00:07:01,800 --> 00:07:03,760 The comments on their Facebook posts 194 00:07:03,760 --> 00:07:06,040 are full of people expressing outrage, 195 00:07:06,040 --> 00:07:08,160 demanding answers, thanking the Alton PS 196 00:07:08,160 --> 00:07:10,240 for speaking out the round. 197 00:07:10,240 --> 00:07:12,280 They're sharing their own experiences, 198 00:07:12,280 --> 00:07:13,960 contacting their representatives, 199 00:07:13,960 --> 00:07:15,800 even organizing protests. 200 00:07:15,800 --> 00:07:18,720 It really shows you how powerful social media can be, 201 00:07:18,720 --> 00:07:20,600 not just as a way to spread information, 202 00:07:20,600 --> 00:07:22,800 but as a tool for collective action. 203 00:07:22,800 --> 00:07:23,640 Absolutely. 204 00:07:23,640 --> 00:07:25,360 It's a space where shared outrage can be voiced, 205 00:07:25,360 --> 00:07:27,360 where people who feel unheard 206 00:07:27,360 --> 00:07:29,960 or ignored by traditional power structures 207 00:07:29,960 --> 00:07:33,240 can find a sense of solidarity and connection. 208 00:07:33,240 --> 00:07:35,680 And that can be a really powerful force for change. 209 00:07:35,680 --> 00:07:36,960 You know, before we move on from that, 210 00:07:36,960 --> 00:07:38,440 I think it's really important to remember 211 00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:40,600 that we're talking about real people here. 212 00:07:40,600 --> 00:07:42,400 You know, people whose lives and careers 213 00:07:42,400 --> 00:07:44,320 are being impacted by all of this, 214 00:07:44,320 --> 00:07:47,480 like the anxiety and fear that federal employees 215 00:07:47,480 --> 00:07:49,440 are experiencing right now is something 216 00:07:49,440 --> 00:07:50,760 that we shouldn't overlook. 217 00:07:50,760 --> 00:07:51,720 That's a really good point. 218 00:07:51,720 --> 00:07:54,200 And these articles, you know, they 219 00:07:54,200 --> 00:07:56,920 paid a pretty disturbing picture of what's 220 00:07:56,920 --> 00:07:58,440 happening inside these agencies. 221 00:07:58,440 --> 00:08:01,440 There's this one from The Verge that talks about federal workers 222 00:08:01,440 --> 00:08:03,400 feeling scared and betrayed. 223 00:08:03,400 --> 00:08:06,720 And they describe this like atmosphere of paranoia, 224 00:08:06,720 --> 00:08:10,400 constant vigilance, and just a breakdown in communication. 225 00:08:10,400 --> 00:08:12,920 It's like the sense of being trapped, you know. 226 00:08:12,920 --> 00:08:13,280 Yeah. 227 00:08:13,280 --> 00:08:16,240 Caught between this rock and a hard place. 228 00:08:16,240 --> 00:08:18,600 They're deeply committed to public service 229 00:08:18,600 --> 00:08:20,880 and the missions of their agencies. 230 00:08:20,880 --> 00:08:23,680 But they're also facing these threats to their jobs, 231 00:08:23,680 --> 00:08:26,000 their reputations, even their personal safety. 232 00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:27,800 And it goes beyond just job security. 233 00:08:27,800 --> 00:08:30,400 You know, the Alton PS and these articles 234 00:08:30,400 --> 00:08:34,000 are highlighting how the Trump administration's actions 235 00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:36,760 are really fostering this like hostile work environment, 236 00:08:36,760 --> 00:08:39,440 especially for those who are perceived as not aligning 237 00:08:39,440 --> 00:08:41,000 with the administration's political views. 238 00:08:41,000 --> 00:08:43,320 It's this climate of fear and intimidation 239 00:08:43,320 --> 00:08:46,880 where people are afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation. 240 00:08:46,880 --> 00:08:49,280 And we're seeing reports of employees 241 00:08:49,280 --> 00:08:54,160 being pressured to resign, facing retaliation for speaking out, 242 00:08:54,160 --> 00:08:58,640 and even being subjected to like loyalty tests or investigations 243 00:08:58,640 --> 00:09:00,480 based on their perceived political beliefs. 244 00:09:00,480 --> 00:09:02,880 It's a really worrying trend because it undermines 245 00:09:02,880 --> 00:09:06,920 the whole foundation of a nonpartisan civil service. 246 00:09:06,920 --> 00:09:09,280 It's like that flood the zone strategy 247 00:09:09,280 --> 00:09:11,280 is playing out on a personal level. 248 00:09:11,280 --> 00:09:14,680 Like employees are just bombarded with executive orders, 249 00:09:14,680 --> 00:09:17,520 policy changes, conflicting information. 250 00:09:17,520 --> 00:09:20,000 And it's like they don't know what to do or who to trust. 251 00:09:20,000 --> 00:09:20,320 Right. 252 00:09:20,320 --> 00:09:22,880 It creates the sense of helplessness and demoralization 253 00:09:22,880 --> 00:09:24,640 because the rules can change at any moment. 254 00:09:24,640 --> 00:09:27,240 And speaking out can have serious consequences. 255 00:09:27,240 --> 00:09:29,600 The Verge article even mentions that some employees 256 00:09:29,600 --> 00:09:33,280 are resorting to using like encrypted messaging apps 257 00:09:33,280 --> 00:09:36,720 like Signal for work-related conversations 258 00:09:36,720 --> 00:09:38,880 because they're afraid that their communications 259 00:09:38,880 --> 00:09:41,640 on other platforms could be monitored or leaked. 260 00:09:41,640 --> 00:09:42,640 That's really telling. 261 00:09:42,640 --> 00:09:44,440 It speaks to the level of distrust 262 00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:46,120 that's permeated these agencies. 263 00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:48,240 They no longer feel safe communicating openly, 264 00:09:48,240 --> 00:09:49,720 even with their colleagues. 265 00:09:49,720 --> 00:09:54,120 It's a stark reminder of how quickly things can unravel 266 00:09:54,120 --> 00:09:57,640 when you have this erosion of democratic norms 267 00:09:57,640 --> 00:10:01,920 and trust in institutions starts to crumble. 268 00:10:01,920 --> 00:10:02,160 Right. 269 00:10:02,160 --> 00:10:03,400 It's not just about politics. 270 00:10:03,400 --> 00:10:05,800 It's about the very fabric of our society 271 00:10:05,800 --> 00:10:09,240 and the values that underpin a functioning democracy. 272 00:10:09,240 --> 00:10:12,480 And the repercussions, they reach far beyond just 273 00:10:12,480 --> 00:10:14,680 the individuals who are directly affected. 274 00:10:14,680 --> 00:10:14,840 Right? 275 00:10:14,840 --> 00:10:15,280 Of course. 276 00:10:15,280 --> 00:10:18,760 Like a demoralized and depleted federal workforce 277 00:10:18,760 --> 00:10:21,400 ultimately hampers the government's ability 278 00:10:21,400 --> 00:10:23,760 to effectively serve the public and fulfill 279 00:10:23,760 --> 00:10:24,720 its essential functions. 280 00:10:24,720 --> 00:10:25,760 Yeah, there's a ripple effect. 281 00:10:25,760 --> 00:10:26,160 Right. 282 00:10:26,160 --> 00:10:28,680 So the fear, the uncertainty, the loss of experience 283 00:10:28,680 --> 00:10:32,360 personnel, it all contributes to this declining morale 284 00:10:32,360 --> 00:10:35,040 and a sense of paralysis within these agencies. 285 00:10:35,040 --> 00:10:37,000 And that paralysis can have a huge impact 286 00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:39,000 on everything from environmental protection 287 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:41,520 and scientific research to public health and safety. 288 00:10:41,520 --> 00:10:42,160 Absolutely. 289 00:10:42,160 --> 00:10:44,040 And when you have dedicated public servants who 290 00:10:44,040 --> 00:10:46,000 are being driven out or silenced, 291 00:10:46,000 --> 00:10:48,120 it's the American people who ultimately suffer 292 00:10:48,120 --> 00:10:49,080 the consequences. 293 00:10:49,080 --> 00:10:51,240 So what can be done to address this crisis? 294 00:10:51,240 --> 00:10:53,280 Like how do we support the federal workforce? 295 00:10:53,280 --> 00:10:54,360 Where do we go from here? 296 00:10:54,360 --> 00:10:56,280 That's the million dollar question, isn't it? 297 00:10:56,280 --> 00:10:57,040 It is. 298 00:10:57,040 --> 00:10:58,440 I don't think there are any easy answers. 299 00:10:58,440 --> 00:10:58,680 Right. 300 00:10:58,680 --> 00:11:02,240 But I think it's going to require this multifaceted approach 301 00:11:02,240 --> 00:11:06,480 that involves legal challenges, legislative action, 302 00:11:06,480 --> 00:11:09,440 public awareness campaigns, and even 303 00:11:09,440 --> 00:11:12,280 individual acts of courage and solidarity. 304 00:11:12,280 --> 00:11:15,440 We need to hold those in power accountable for their actions. 305 00:11:15,440 --> 00:11:16,960 Protect whistleblowers. 306 00:11:16,960 --> 00:11:20,120 Reaffirm the importance of a nonpartisan civil service 307 00:11:20,120 --> 00:11:23,680 free from political interference and intimidation. 308 00:11:23,680 --> 00:11:26,640 It's a fight that demands the participation of everyone 309 00:11:26,640 --> 00:11:29,600 who values a functional democracy and a government that 310 00:11:29,600 --> 00:11:31,720 serves the needs of its people, not just the interests 311 00:11:31,720 --> 00:11:33,640 of a powerful few. 312 00:11:33,640 --> 00:11:36,920 You know, this deep dive into the Alt National Park Service, 313 00:11:36,920 --> 00:11:38,600 it's really taken us on a journey. 314 00:11:38,600 --> 00:11:39,280 It has. 315 00:11:39,280 --> 00:11:42,400 From climate change denial and citizen resistance 316 00:11:42,400 --> 00:11:44,080 to the very heart of the federal government. 317 00:11:44,080 --> 00:11:45,360 Yeah, it's been fascinating. 318 00:11:45,360 --> 00:11:45,860 Yeah. 319 00:11:45,860 --> 00:11:47,240 And at times, quite unsettling. 320 00:11:47,240 --> 00:11:49,240 And this journey is far from over. 321 00:11:49,240 --> 00:11:50,240 No, it's not. 322 00:11:50,240 --> 00:11:51,920 You know, these events that we've been talking about, 323 00:11:51,920 --> 00:11:53,040 they're still unfolding. 324 00:11:53,040 --> 00:11:53,480 Right. 325 00:11:53,480 --> 00:11:54,400 They're full impact. 326 00:11:54,400 --> 00:11:54,800 Yeah. 327 00:11:54,800 --> 00:11:56,760 You know, remains to be seen. 328 00:11:56,760 --> 00:11:58,040 But one thing's for sure. 329 00:11:58,040 --> 00:11:58,600 Yeah. 330 00:11:58,600 --> 00:12:01,600 The fight for environmental protection, 331 00:12:01,600 --> 00:12:04,960 government accountability, and really the very soul 332 00:12:04,960 --> 00:12:09,200 of our democracy, it requires our attention, our engagement, 333 00:12:09,200 --> 00:12:10,560 our unwavering commitment. 334 00:12:10,560 --> 00:12:10,960 It does. 335 00:12:10,960 --> 00:12:12,720 And if you're feeling overwhelmed or discouraged 336 00:12:12,720 --> 00:12:14,840 by all of this, remember that you're not alone. 337 00:12:14,840 --> 00:12:15,280 Yeah. 338 00:12:15,280 --> 00:12:17,320 Millions of people share these concerns 339 00:12:17,320 --> 00:12:20,000 and are working to make a difference, connect with them, 340 00:12:20,000 --> 00:12:22,240 get involved, stay informed. 341 00:12:22,240 --> 00:12:23,880 We can make a difference if we work together. 342 00:12:23,880 --> 00:12:24,760 Absolutely. 343 00:12:24,760 --> 00:12:27,080 OK, so we've been talking a lot about the Alt National Park 344 00:12:27,080 --> 00:12:27,560 Service. 345 00:12:27,560 --> 00:12:28,080 Yeah. 346 00:12:28,080 --> 00:12:30,120 You know, there were resurgence in 2025 347 00:12:30,120 --> 00:12:32,000 and how they're really calling out the Trump 348 00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:35,840 administration and this group called DOGE. 349 00:12:35,840 --> 00:12:38,520 But before we wrap up, I want to kind of shift gears 350 00:12:38,520 --> 00:12:41,720 a little bit and focus on the human side of all this. 351 00:12:41,720 --> 00:12:42,200 Yeah. 352 00:12:42,200 --> 00:12:43,760 I think that's really important. 353 00:12:43,760 --> 00:12:46,040 You know, we've been talking about these big picture issues 354 00:12:46,040 --> 00:12:47,640 and these political maneuvers. 355 00:12:47,640 --> 00:12:50,560 But at the end of the day, this is affecting real people. 356 00:12:50,560 --> 00:12:51,080 Exactly. 357 00:12:51,080 --> 00:12:53,320 And we have these articles that really shine 358 00:12:53,320 --> 00:12:55,600 a light on what's happening inside these agencies. 359 00:12:55,600 --> 00:12:58,200 You know, there's this one from The Verge that talks about 360 00:12:58,200 --> 00:13:00,960 federal workers feeling scared and betrayed. 361 00:13:00,960 --> 00:13:04,760 And they describe this atmosphere of paranoia, 362 00:13:04,760 --> 00:13:06,840 you know, constant vigilance, just this breakdown 363 00:13:06,840 --> 00:13:07,800 in communication. 364 00:13:07,800 --> 00:13:10,440 It's like they're living in a constant state of anxiety. 365 00:13:10,440 --> 00:13:10,680 Yeah. 366 00:13:10,680 --> 00:13:12,000 And they feel trapped. 367 00:13:12,000 --> 00:13:14,320 You know, like they're caught between a rock and a hard place. 368 00:13:14,320 --> 00:13:16,560 Because on the one hand, they're deeply committed 369 00:13:16,560 --> 00:13:19,760 to public service and the missions of their agencies. 370 00:13:19,760 --> 00:13:23,440 But on the other hand, they're facing these very real threats 371 00:13:23,440 --> 00:13:25,520 to their jobs, their reputations, 372 00:13:25,520 --> 00:13:27,000 even their personal safety. 373 00:13:27,000 --> 00:13:29,440 And it's not just about job security either. 374 00:13:29,440 --> 00:13:31,640 It's about this hostile work environment 375 00:13:31,640 --> 00:13:34,960 that's been created where people are afraid to speak out 376 00:13:34,960 --> 00:13:36,640 for fear of retaliation. 377 00:13:36,640 --> 00:13:36,840 Yeah. 378 00:13:36,840 --> 00:13:40,240 We're seeing reports of employees being pressured to resign. 379 00:13:40,240 --> 00:13:42,840 You know, facing retaliation for speaking out, 380 00:13:42,840 --> 00:13:45,880 even being subjected to loyalty tests or investigations 381 00:13:45,880 --> 00:13:48,120 based on their perceived political beliefs. 382 00:13:48,120 --> 00:13:49,120 It's really disheartening. 383 00:13:49,120 --> 00:13:51,040 Because it undermines the whole idea 384 00:13:51,040 --> 00:13:53,720 of a nonpartisan civil service, you know, 385 00:13:53,720 --> 00:13:55,520 where people can serve their country 386 00:13:55,520 --> 00:13:57,480 without fear of political reprisal. 387 00:13:57,480 --> 00:13:59,280 It's like that flood the zone strategy 388 00:13:59,280 --> 00:14:00,880 that we talked about earlier. 389 00:14:00,880 --> 00:14:02,760 It's playing out on a personal level. 390 00:14:02,760 --> 00:14:05,120 You know, these employees are just bombarded 391 00:14:05,120 --> 00:14:09,640 with executive orders, policy changes, 392 00:14:09,640 --> 00:14:11,480 conflicting information. 393 00:14:11,480 --> 00:14:13,760 And it's like they're just drowning in it all. 394 00:14:13,760 --> 00:14:16,360 It's no wonder they feel helpless and demoralized. 395 00:14:16,360 --> 00:14:18,200 Because the rules can change on a dime. 396 00:14:18,200 --> 00:14:20,960 And speaking out can have serious consequences. 397 00:14:20,960 --> 00:14:23,400 The Verge article even mentions that some employees 398 00:14:23,400 --> 00:14:26,320 are resorting to using encrypted messaging apps, 399 00:14:26,320 --> 00:14:29,960 like signal for work-related conversations. 400 00:14:29,960 --> 00:14:31,960 Because they're so afraid that their communications 401 00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:34,840 on other platforms could be monitored or leaked. 402 00:14:34,840 --> 00:14:35,200 Wow. 403 00:14:35,200 --> 00:14:37,080 That really speaks to the level of distrust 404 00:14:37,080 --> 00:14:38,640 that exists within these agencies. 405 00:14:38,640 --> 00:14:40,440 You know, they don't even feel safe communicating 406 00:14:40,440 --> 00:14:41,480 with their colleagues. 407 00:14:41,480 --> 00:14:45,480 It's a pretty stark reminder of how quickly things can unravel 408 00:14:45,480 --> 00:14:48,000 when you have this erosion of democratic norms 409 00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:50,680 and trust in institutions starts to crumble. 410 00:14:50,680 --> 00:14:52,440 And it's not just about politics. 411 00:14:52,440 --> 00:14:55,240 You know, it's about the very fabric of our society 412 00:14:55,240 --> 00:14:59,880 and the values that underpin a functioning democracy. 413 00:14:59,880 --> 00:15:01,960 And the repercussions of all this, 414 00:15:01,960 --> 00:15:04,800 they extend far beyond just the individuals 415 00:15:04,800 --> 00:15:06,080 who are directly affected. 416 00:15:06,080 --> 00:15:06,760 Of course. 417 00:15:06,760 --> 00:15:09,320 Now, when you have a demoralized and depleted 418 00:15:09,320 --> 00:15:12,240 federal workforce, it ultimately hampers 419 00:15:12,240 --> 00:15:15,760 the government's ability to effectively serve the public 420 00:15:15,760 --> 00:15:17,480 and fulfill its essential functions. 421 00:15:17,480 --> 00:15:19,320 Yeah, there's this ripple effect, you know, 422 00:15:19,320 --> 00:15:23,280 the fear, the uncertainty, the loss of experienced personnel. 423 00:15:23,280 --> 00:15:26,320 It all contributes to declining morale 424 00:15:26,320 --> 00:15:29,560 and the sense of paralysis within these agencies. 425 00:15:29,560 --> 00:15:31,520 And that paralysis can have a huge impact 426 00:15:31,520 --> 00:15:33,360 on everything from environmental protection 427 00:15:33,360 --> 00:15:36,520 and scientific research to public health and safety. 428 00:15:36,520 --> 00:15:38,640 Right, because when you have dedicated public servants who 429 00:15:38,640 --> 00:15:39,960 are being driven out or silenced, 430 00:15:39,960 --> 00:15:42,440 it's the American people who ultimately pay the price. 431 00:15:42,440 --> 00:15:43,760 So what can be done? 432 00:15:43,760 --> 00:15:44,080 Yeah. 433 00:15:44,080 --> 00:15:45,840 How do we address this crisis? 434 00:15:45,840 --> 00:15:47,440 How do we support the federal workforce? 435 00:15:47,440 --> 00:15:48,760 Where do we go from here? 436 00:15:48,760 --> 00:15:49,960 That's a tough question, and I don't 437 00:15:49,960 --> 00:15:51,440 think there are any easy answers. 438 00:15:51,440 --> 00:15:54,640 But I think it's going to require a multifaceted approach, 439 00:15:54,640 --> 00:15:56,440 you know, involving legal challenges, 440 00:15:56,440 --> 00:15:59,120 legislative action, public awareness campaigns, 441 00:15:59,120 --> 00:16:02,880 and even individual acts of courage and solidarity. 442 00:16:02,880 --> 00:16:03,720 I think you're right. 443 00:16:03,720 --> 00:16:05,960 You know, we need to hold those in power 444 00:16:05,960 --> 00:16:07,320 accountable for their actions. 445 00:16:07,320 --> 00:16:08,760 We need to protect whistleblowers. 446 00:16:08,760 --> 00:16:09,200 Yeah. 447 00:16:09,200 --> 00:16:10,600 And we need to reaffirm the importance 448 00:16:10,600 --> 00:16:13,080 of a nonpartisan civil service free 449 00:16:13,080 --> 00:16:15,320 from political interference and intimidation. 450 00:16:15,320 --> 00:16:18,600 It's a fight that requires the participation of everyone 451 00:16:18,600 --> 00:16:21,640 who values a functional democracy and a government that 452 00:16:21,640 --> 00:16:23,480 serves the needs of its people, not just 453 00:16:23,480 --> 00:16:25,000 the interests of the powerful. 454 00:16:25,000 --> 00:16:25,800 Well said. 455 00:16:25,800 --> 00:16:26,300 Yeah. 456 00:16:26,300 --> 00:16:29,200 You know, this deep dive into the old National Park service, 457 00:16:29,200 --> 00:16:31,200 it's really taken us on quite a journey. 458 00:16:31,200 --> 00:16:31,720 It has. 459 00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:34,680 From climate change denial and citizen resistance 460 00:16:34,680 --> 00:16:36,440 to the very heart of the federal government, 461 00:16:36,440 --> 00:16:40,080 it's been fascinating and at times pretty unsettling. 462 00:16:40,080 --> 00:16:42,440 It's an ongoing story, and the full impact of these events 463 00:16:42,440 --> 00:16:43,400 remains to be seen. 464 00:16:43,400 --> 00:16:44,440 But one thing is clear. 465 00:16:44,440 --> 00:16:46,080 The fight for environmental protection, 466 00:16:46,080 --> 00:16:49,000 government accountability, and really the very 467 00:16:49,000 --> 00:16:50,480 soul of our democracy. 468 00:16:50,480 --> 00:16:51,600 It requires our attention. 469 00:16:51,600 --> 00:16:52,600 It requires our engagement. 470 00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:54,560 And it requires our unwavering commitment. 471 00:16:54,560 --> 00:16:57,560 And for anyone listening out there who's feeling overwhelmed 472 00:16:57,560 --> 00:17:00,480 or discouraged by all of this, just remember, 473 00:17:00,480 --> 00:17:02,440 you're not alone. 474 00:17:02,440 --> 00:17:04,280 Millions of people share these concerns, 475 00:17:04,280 --> 00:17:06,040 and they're working to make a difference. 476 00:17:06,040 --> 00:17:11,080 So connect with them, get involved, stay informed. 477 00:17:11,080 --> 00:17:13,080 We can make a difference if we work together. 478 00:17:13,080 --> 00:17:15,160 And if you're looking for more information on the connection 479 00:17:15,160 --> 00:17:17,200 between climate change and political action, 480 00:17:17,200 --> 00:17:20,040 I highly recommend following meteorologist Rob Jones 481 00:17:20,040 --> 00:17:21,280 on social media. 482 00:17:21,280 --> 00:17:23,960 He's a great resource for staying up to date on these issues. 483 00:17:23,960 --> 00:17:25,680 It's a great suggestion. 484 00:17:25,680 --> 00:17:28,120 Thanks for joining us for this episode of Meteorology Matters. 485 00:17:28,120 --> 00:17:44,160 We'll see you next time.