NOAA Expected to Lose 20% of Staff with Next Round of Firings

NOAA Expected to Lose 20% of Staff with Next Round of Firings

The Trump administration is implementing significant workforce reductions across the federal government, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facing a potential 20% staff cut. This briefing document outlines the key themes and concerns arising from these proposed and ongoing layoffs, including the potential impact on weather forecasting, climate research, the space industry, and broader scientific leadership. Sources highlight that these cuts are part of a larger administration effort, driven by an executive order and influenced by policy blueprints like Project 2025, which views NOAA as a driver of "climate change alarm." Scientists, industry leaders, and organizations are expressing alarm over the potential consequences of these reductions on public safety, economic stability, and America's standing in science and technology.

Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:

1. Substantial Workforce Reductions at NOAA:

  • NOAA has been instructed to prepare for an additional 1,000 worker layoffs.
  • This comes on top of approximately 1,300 NOAA staff members who have already resigned or been laid off in recent weeks.
  • Combined, these reductions would represent nearly 20% of NOAA’s roughly 13,000-member workforce.
  • Managers within NOAA have been asked to submit layoff and reorganization proposals with little guidance on program prioritization for cuts.
  • The administration aims for rapid, large-scale cuts to the federal bureaucracy, with NOAA being specifically targeted.

Quote: "Together, the reductions would represent nearly 20 percent of NOAA’s approximately 13,000-member work force." (New York Times)

2. Potential Impact on Critical NOAA Functions:

  • Scientists and meteorologists at NOAA are alarmed, fearing that these cuts could hinder the National Weather Service’s ability to produce lifesaving forecasts, especially with hurricane and disaster season approaching.
  • Some activities, such as the launching of weather balloons, have already been suspended due to staffing shortages.
  • The staff departures have already affected NOAA’s operations in various areas, including:
  • Predicting hurricanes and tornadoes.
  • Overseeing fisheries and endangered species.
  • Monitoring climate change and ecosystems.
  • Experts warn that reduced staffing could "interfere with important weather forecasting in advance of hurricane season and other natural disasters." (ET)

Quote: "Together with recent firings and resignations, the new cuts could hamper the National Weather Service’s ability to produce lifesaving forecasts, scientists say." (New York Times)

3. Broader Federal Workforce Reduction Initiatives:

  • NOAA is not the only agency facing significant cuts. Other agencies reportedly targeted include:
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Intends to eliminate almost 50% of its staff.
  • Social Security Administration: Reportedly ordered to cut its employees in half.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Could face a 65% staff reduction, driven by attempts to retract environmental rules.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Aiming to eliminate roughly 80,000 jobs.
  • Office of Community Planning and Development (HUD): Facing a potential 84% personnel cut.

Jaksot(212)

Hurricane Milton - 145 MPH Winds Forecast - Florida Peninsula on Alert

Hurricane Milton - 145 MPH Winds Forecast - Florida Peninsula on Alert

Hurricane Milton, currently over the Gulf of Mexico, is intensifying and projected to become a major hurricane. The hurricane is forecast to make landfall on the west coast of Florida, potentially bringing life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall. Residents in the Florida Peninsula are advised to monitor the storm's progress and follow the guidance of local officials.

7 Loka 202410min

Hurricane Hunters Say Milton is Rapidly Intensifying as We Look at Different Landfall Scenarios

Hurricane Hunters Say Milton is Rapidly Intensifying as We Look at Different Landfall Scenarios

Sunday afternoon update on Hurricane Milton, which is rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico. Details on the hurricane's current location, movement, and projected path, indicating that it is expected to become a major hurricane and approach the west coast of Florida by midweek. Hazards, including storm surge and heavy rainfall which could lead to flooding, and dangerous surf conditions along the Gulf Coast are a concern especially near and south of the landfall location. Points to the north of the center of circulation could see stronger wins and rain then on the so-called “dirty side“ which would normally be on the southside interaction with a jet streak the storm could be a little bit different. We looked at scenarios with, the potential for one north of Tampa Bay and a scenario for south of Tampa Bay.

6 Loka 202412min

Hurricane Evacuation & Preparedness Tips, Even for Your  EV

Hurricane Evacuation & Preparedness Tips, Even for Your EV

As Milton heads toward Florida, here’s some guidance on preparing for the storm, particularly focusing on the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Understanding and mitigating the risks of battery fires, especially when vehicles are damaged by floodwaters is important to your safety. Will give you some tips on food storage, water conservation, and securing important documents. We highlight the importance of having a plan for evacuating, staying safe, and ensuring access to essential services in the aftermath of a storm.

6 Loka 202412min

Rapid Intensification - Milton Forecast to be a Category 3 Hurricane

Rapid Intensification - Milton Forecast to be a Category 3 Hurricane

Tropical Storm Milton is strengthening rapidly in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to become a major hurricane by the middle of the week. The storm is expected to make landfall on the west coast of Florida, bringing the potential for life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds. Heavy rainfall is also expected to affect portions of Florida, leading to the risk of flooding. The storm's exact track and intensity remain uncertain, but there is growing concern about the potential for significant impacts on the Florida Peninsula.

6 Loka 202410min

Florida Expecting Impact from Hurricane Milton with Dangerous Storm Surge and 110 mph Winds

Florida Expecting Impact from Hurricane Milton with Dangerous Storm Surge and 110 mph Winds

Tropical Storm Milton is another rapidly developing tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that is expected to strengthen into Hurricane Milton and make landfall on the West Coast of Florida as a Category 2 hurricane around Wednesday. The forecast emphasizes the potential for significant storm surge and heavy rainfall, urging residents of Central and South Florida to stay informed and prepared. While the exact path and intensity of the storm are uncertain, remember that the effects can be for reaching from the center of the storm at landfall. There's also the increasing likelihood of a dangerous storm surge event along Florida's Gulf coast with some areas to be impacted already having been by hurricane Helene just a short time ago.

5 Loka 202413min

Growing Insurance Failures Take Spotlight After Hurricane Helene

Growing Insurance Failures Take Spotlight After Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene is a major disaster that highlights the growing economic risks associated with climate change. While the financial impact of the hurricane is significant, with estimates reaching over $100 billion with long-term implications for communities, businesses, and individuals. Climate change will increasingly lead to "known unknowns" - events that we know will happen but cannot predict their exact timing or location. Adaptation, investing in preventative measures, and the need for governments and companies to take proactive steps to mitigate the financial and social consequences of these events is vital to move forward.Suggested questions

5 Loka 20246min

Hurricane Helene’s Toxic Flood Waters

Hurricane Helene’s Toxic Flood Waters

There’s a hidden danger of toxic chemical releases from industrial facilities during hurricanes. Limited disclosure requirements and insufficient public information about these risks leave communities unprepared and unaware of the potential consequences. Red tide has been detected in Pinellas County waters following Hurricane Helene. This poses an additional health risk for residents already dealing with storm damage and cleanup, as red tide can cause respiratory problems and potentially harm marine life.

4 Loka 20247min

Hurricane Helene - HAARP Engineered and Steered to Wipe Out a Town

Hurricane Helene - HAARP Engineered and Steered to Wipe Out a Town

Conspiracy theories circulate about Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida in September 2024 and wreaked havoc upon upstate North Carolina. Some theories claim the hurricane was intentionally manipulated to impact Republican areas, while others suggest it was engineered to clear land for lithium mining. We also examine theories claiming the hurricane was created or guided by technology, such as HAARP, frequency transmitters, or cloud seeding. While lithium is on the mind of conspiracy theorist, a real life quartz mining facility has been severely impacted by Helene, which could cause supply chain disruptions for weeks or months.

4 Loka 202410min

Suosittua kategoriassa Tiede

rss-mita-tulisi-tietaa
utelias-mieli
rss-poliisin-mieli
tiedekulma-podcast
rss-lihavuudesta-podcast
rss-duodecim-lehti
docemilia
rss-laakaripodi
rss-tiedetta-vai-tarinaa
rss-ilmasto-kriisissa
rss-ylistys-elaimille
hippokrateen-vastaanotolla
radio-antro
rss-ammamafia
rss-mental-race
rss-murremyytin-murtajat
rss-taivaanranta