
This article was originally published at Eos. The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.
Americans set few everyday expectations for science, but they are fundamental: We expect the weather forecast to be right, we expect science and technology that allow weather hazards to be anticipated within reason, and we expect public services to protect our lives and livelihoods from such hazards—floods, fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes.