Editing Weather balloon (section)

==Environmental issues==
While weather forecasting is increasingly reliant on satellites and radar technology, it still heavily involves the use of weather balloons. These devices, launched from thousands of stations worldwide, ascend into the atmosphere to collect meteorological data. The United States, for example, releases approximately 76,600 balloons annually, while Canada launches 22,000.<ref name="e714">{{cite web | last=Magazine | first=Hakai | title=Weather Forecasting Is Deadly for Marine Wildlife | website=Hakai Magazine | date=2024-10-11 | url=https://hakaimagazine.com/news/weather-forecasting-is-deadly-for-marine-wildlife/ | access-date=2024-10-14}}</ref>

Weather balloons, after reaching an altitude of approximately 35 kilometers, burst, releasing their instruments and the latex material they are made of. While the instruments are often recovered, the latex remains in the environment, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Studies have shown that a substantial portion of weather balloons eventually end up in the ocean. For instance, one Australian researcher collected over 2,460 weather balloon debris from the [[Great Barrier Reef]], estimating that up to 300 balloons per week may be released into the marine environment. This environmental impact underscores the need for sustainable alternatives in weather data collection.<ref name="e714" />

Scientists and environmentalists have raised concerns about weather balloons' environmental impact. The latex material, which can persist in the ocean for extended periods, can harm marine life, including [[sea turtles]], birds, and fish. Efforts to minimize the environmental impact of weather balloons include developing biodegradable materials and improved recovery methods. However, the continued reliance on weather balloons for meteorological data challenges balancing the need for accurate weather forecasts with environmental sustainability.<ref name="e714" />