KMI Warns of Disaster Risk Due to Budget Cuts

David Dehenauw from Belgium's Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI) has issued a stark warning: ongoing budget cuts threaten the institute's essential services and, consequently, the nation's safety. Dehenauw, head of the Weather Forecasting department, stated that the institute is facing a critical situation due to austerity measures affecting the federal science budget. He emphasized that if the government does not intervene, KMI's core tasks will be compromised.

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This threatens to overwhelm us.

"This goes beyond predicting the weather; it's about safety, the economy, and much more. Together with the army, we are at the top of the safety pyramid," Dehenauw explained in a rare public statement to VRT NWS. Despite 25 years as a weather forecaster and acknowledging that savings have been ongoing, he felt compelled to speak out due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. He believes failing to address the issue could be considered negligent.

The budget cuts began under the Di Rupo government in 2012. Cumulatively, KMI has lost 25% of its funding, even after accounting for inflation. This financial strain is exacerbated by lost revenue streams, as KMI can no longer sell data to partners due to an open data directive. Furthermore, the institute operates under a "2/5ths rule," meaning only two out of every five departing staff members are replaced, significantly impacting its workforce. With approximately 200 employees, KMI is considerably smaller than its Dutch counterpart, KNMI, which has more weather forecasters despite a similar number of staff.

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It's about more than predicting the weather: this is about safety, the economy, and so much more. Together with the army, we are at the top of the safety pyramid.

Dehenauw also pointed out the need for investments in new technologies, such as weather radars and supercomputers, especially as climate change intensifies. KMI provides numerous services beyond basic weather forecasts, including data sharing with civil aviation, collaboration with the national Crisis Centre during heatwaves, support for the Flemish Environment Agency, and assistance to the army. "Actually, KMI, like the army, is at the top of the safety pyramid," Dehenauw reiterated.

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I have been a weather forecaster for 25 years, but this is the first time I have come forward in the media like this. We have never complained about money, even though the savings have been going on for a long time.

He warned that a diminished capacity to perform these tasks increases the risk of missing severe disasters. "If we can do all this less well, we run the risk of missing a major disaster. The climate is changing, which makes it even more relevant." Citing a World Meteorological Organization calculation, Dehenauw noted that every euro invested in weather forecasting yields eight euros in return, underscoring the economic benefits of maintaining robust meteorological services.

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If we can do all this less well, we run the risk of missing a major disaster. The climate is changing, which makes it even more relevant.