Hundreds in US climate agency NOAA fired in latest cuts – BBC

In February 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) experienced significant workforce reductions, with reports indicating the termination of approximately 880 employees, representing over 7.3% of its 12,000-member staff. citeturn0search23 These cuts were part of a broader initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by Elon Musk, aiming to streamline federal operations and reduce taxpayer expenses. citeturn0news10

The layoffs have raised serious concerns about NOAA’s capacity to fulfill its critical missions, including weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and marine resource management. Notably, the National Hurricane Center and Storm Prediction Center experienced significant staff reductions, potentially impairing the accuracy of hurricane and severe weather forecasts. citeturn0search23 Additionally, the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory announced an “indefinite hiatus” due to staffing shortages resulting from the layoffs. citeturn0search23

Beyond domestic implications, the cuts have international ramifications. Australian meteorologists, who heavily rely on NOAA’s data and software for accurate weather forecasting, face challenges as NOAA’s contributions, such as sea surface temperature observations and ocean monitoring programs like Argo, are reduced. This diminishes global climate data availability, potentially hindering climate projections and public safety measures worldwide. citeturn0news10

The abrupt nature of the layoffs has also sparked legal and ethical debates. A federal judge ruled that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) “had no authority to order the firings of probationary employees,” highlighting potential overreach in the dismissal process. Former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad noted that 25% of the NOAA Environmental Modeling Center’s staff were terminated, jeopardizing the agency’s modeling capabilities essential for accurate weather predictions. citeturn0search23

Environmental advocates and industry experts express alarm over the potential “cataclysmic” effects of these cuts on the Great Lakes region. Elimination of services like invasive species management and monitoring of toxic algal blooms threatens the health of this vital ecosystem, which supports over 40 million people and significant economic activities. citeturn0news9

In response to the widespread concerns, environmentalists are demanding transparency regarding the layoffs and cuts to grants, seeking clarity on how these reductions align with the administration’s commitment to environmental protection and public safety. citeturn0search2 Legislators, including Senator Murray, have criticized the dismissals, emphasizing that the loss of experienced NOAA staff “diminishes us all” and hampers the nation’s ability to address climate challenges effectively. citeturn0search3

The situation underscores the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and the imperative to maintain robust scientific and environmental monitoring capabilities. As the effects of these cuts unfold, stakeholders and the public await further developments and clarifications on the administration’s strategy to ensure that essential services and protections remain intact.

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