Are extreme weather events linked to global warming? Deciphering the science and providing answers is the job of national weather broadcasters and journalists. How do they decide what is aired? These topics and more will be addressed at the annual Operation Sierra Storm, a leading national weather conference Jan. 21-24.

Keynote speaker and Stanford University professor of earth system science Noah Diffenbaugh, and his lab team examined the connections between global warming and extreme events. They recently published their findings in a new framework.

A media panel will address results from the disbanding of the national climate assessment advisory committee, controversial positions on both sides, editorial polices, sources from scientists, and what is allowed. Speakers include Angela Fritz, deputy weather editor for the Washington Post; Brandon Miller, meteorologist and CNN supervising weather producer; Paul Goodloe, The Weather Channel; and Keith Stellman, meteorologist in charge of the Atlanta National Weather Service office.

The free presentations will be Jan. 23, 8-10:30 in the Cabaret Theater at Harveys. are encouraged.