The World Socialist Web Site article discusses the privatization and commercialization of weather data, specifically focusing on the upcoming launch of the M10 satellite by Orbital Micro Systems (OMS). NOAA, traditionally responsible for providing free and open weather data, is increasingly reliant on private companies like OMS.
The article argues that this trend leads to a situation where essential weather information, previously considered a public good, is becoming a commodity controlled by corporations. OMS aims to sell its satellite-collected microwave radar data to various industries, including agriculture, insurance, and transportation, promising more accurate and timely weather predictions than those available from NOAA.
The author expresses concern about the potential consequences of privatizing weather data, including the possibility of selective data access based on ability to pay, which could disproportionately affect poorer communities and countries. This privatization, driven by profit motives, could undermine the public’s right to critical weather information, impacting disaster preparedness and other vital areas. The article contends that this move is part of a larger trend toward the privatization of essential public services, driven by a capitalist system prioritizing profit over societal needs.
find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/10/oxon-m10.html