NOAA layoffs raise alarm: Critical climate research at risk
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), responsible for weather forecasting, is planning another wave of layoffs affecting 1,029 employees. Experts warn that the Donald Trump administration's actions could limit critical climate research and jeopardize Americans' safety.
The Reuters agency, citing its sources, notes that these additional cuts at this government institution, which is also involved in climate research and other scientific projects, follow a previous layoff of 1,300 people.
The two waves of layoffs, along with the so-called buyout program, which offers less essential employees a financial incentive—usually up to $25,000—for voluntary departure, have reduced the staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by about 20 percent since the beginning of the year.
The buyout program helps government agencies minimize the scale of forced layoffs, which can be both costly and problematic.
limitations on key climate research
All U.S. government agencies have been ordered to draft layoff plans by March 13 as part of Trump's campaign to thoroughly restructure the government.
Experts warn that the reductions in NOAA could limit critical climate research and threaten the safety of Americans.
Concerns are also being raised about layoff plans in other agencies, such as the politically sensitive Department of Veterans Affairs, which intends to reduce its workforce by over 80,000.
Federal employees also face severe budget constraints, including a ban on purchasing basic office supplies.
A Reuters and Ipsos poll last week illustrated public dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's plans. In it, 57 percent of respondents opposed the idea of laying off tens of thousands of federal employees.
