The reduction in ocean monitoring capabilities could lead to a 163% increase in error for annual ocean heating rate estimates, according to recent research. This would undermine the ability to predict and prepare for extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and El Niño phenomena, which have significant economic and human impacts. The loss of data could also affect agriculture, disaster response, and insurance industries, both in the U.S. and globally. Experts emphasize that ocean observations are irreplaceable for understanding and mitigating climate-related risks.