The Looming Disaster: Why Shuttering Volcano Observatories Puts Lives at Risk

In a stunning move that defies logic and public safety, the Drumpf administration is pushing forward with plans to shut down critical volcano observatories in Alaska and Hawaii. These facilities, responsible for monitoring some of the world’s most active and dangerous volcanoes, are at risk of losing their leases—potentially leaving millions of people vulnerable to deadly eruptions and catastrophic disruptions.

This isn’t just bureaucratic reshuffling. It’s a direct attack on public safety and scientific preparedness. The observatories at risk include facilities monitoring Mount Spurr, near Anchorage, and Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. Combined, these two volcanoes threaten hundreds of thousands of residents, not to mention the airlines that rely on up-to-the-minute data to avoid dangerous ash clouds.

The Stakes Are Catastrophic

Volcanic eruptions aren’t just spectacular displays of nature’s fury—they are deadly and highly disruptive. Without proper monitoring, communities lose critical early warning systems, aviation risks skyrocket, and emergency responses become chaotic. The 2010 eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull, for example, disrupted global air travel for weeks, costing the airline industry billions. If a major Alaskan or Hawaiian volcano were to erupt without sufficient monitoring, the fallout could be just as devastating, if not worse.

Science Under Siege

The decision to terminate these leases isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s part of a broader pattern of undermining science and public safety. The federal government has long funded these observatories because they provide life-saving data. Removing their ability to function effectively doesn’t just put lives at risk; it dismantles decades of scientific progress and preparedness.

The Fallout of Neglect

If these observatories shut down, the consequences could be immediate and far-reaching:

• Delayed Evacuations: Without monitoring, communities near active volcanoes would have less time to evacuate, increasing the potential for fatalities.
• Disrupted Air Travel: Volcanic ash is deadly for aircraft engines. Without real-time data, pilots and airlines will be flying blind into potentially deadly conditions.
• Economic Devastation: Local economies dependent on tourism and stable infrastructure could collapse in the wake of an unexpected disaster.

A Reckless Move That Must Be Stopped

This decision isn’t just shortsighted—it’s dangerous. The administration is actively dismantling systems designed to keep people safe, all for the sake of budget cuts that will pale in comparison to the cost of dealing with an unmonitored eruption. If these closures proceed, it won’t just be an administrative failure—it will be a preventable catastrophe.

Public outcry is the only way to stop this reckless move. Scientists, policymakers, and citizens alike must push back against this disastrous decision before it’s too late. Because when the next volcano erupts—and it will—the consequences of inaction will be measured in lives lost.