The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has imposed new restrictions requiring its employees to compile detailed lists of all climate-related programs and document international engagements for approval by a Trump-era political appointee. This move has caused unease within the agency and among European scientists collaborating with NOAA. The restrictions seem to align with a broader effort by the Trump administration to slash government spending and shift focus away from climate issues. The changes have sparked concerns about the potential impact on global weather and climate forecasting.
Current and former high-level NOAA scientists report a growing sense of unease as these restrictions take effect. European partners, awaiting clarity on how these changes will affect their work, are notably anxious. The requirement for NOAA staff to document "all international engagements" adds a layer of bureaucracy that could hinder ongoing collaborations.
The new oversight measures extend to NOAA's internal communications, as the office of research mandates increased scrutiny over emails and virtual meetings with foreign nationals. This administrative burden is particularly onerous for the National Weather Service (NWS), which relies heavily on international cooperation for effective weather forecasting.
“One of the most concerning aspects of this situation is the availability of US datasets for environmental science, particularly in weather forecasting and climate science,” – Nicolas Bousserez
These developments occur against a backdrop of potential budgetary cuts. Russell Vought, an architect of Project 2025, previously proposed a 38% budget cut for NOAA before his confirmation as director of the Office of Management and Budget. If enacted, these cuts could drastically reduce NOAA's operational capacity.
“such an extreme scenario remains plausible and could have significant consequences” – Nicolas Bousserez
The NWS, a division of NOAA responsible for all U.S. weather forecasting, faces staffing challenges. It typically employs around 4,500 scientists and technicians but struggles to maintain full staffing levels. Reports indicate that hundreds of NOAA staff have accepted federal buyouts, anticipating further budget cuts.
“If the proposed cuts to Noaa and NWS are enacted, the consequences will be severe,” – Greg Carbin
The potential consequences of these cuts are alarming. Experts warn that reduced funding could lead to less accurate and slower weather forecasts, jeopardizing lives and property.
“It will lead to less accurate and slower weather forecasts and warnings–putting lives and property at risk.” – Greg Carbin
“Accurate forecasts protect lives, mitigate billions of dollars in disaster-related damages, and enable businesses, from agriculture to transportation, to operate more efficiently,” – Greg Carbin
NOAA plays a crucial role in providing free public access to atmospheric and oceanic data worldwide. Any restriction on this data could have profound global implications, affecting everything from disaster preparedness to commercial operations.
“Cutting these services now would be a reckless decision that would cost far more in lives and damages than it would ever save on a balance sheet,” – Greg Carbin
Despite these challenges, the new restrictions do not prevent ongoing international collaborations but add significant administrative hurdles. This situation has raised concerns about potential limitations on the global use of NOAA data.
“It’s not as if in a worst case of Noaa going dark, everything would be sent into an existential crisis…” – Peter Thorne