Proposed NOAA Cuts Threaten Weather Forecasting and Climate Research

The Trump administration and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency target NOAA for significant budget and staffing reductions, raising concerns about public safety and economic impacts.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) faces potential budget cuts of up to 30% and staffing reductions that could halve its workforce, as part of broader federal downsizing efforts led by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
NOAA's critical functions, including weather forecasting, climate research, and support for industries like aviation, fishing, and shipping, could be severely impacted, with some local weather offices at risk of closure.
The proposed cuts align with Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda advocating for dismantling NOAA and reducing its role in climate change initiatives, which it describes as harmful to U.S. prosperity.
Critics warn the cuts could compromise public safety, as NOAA's forecasts and alerts are essential for preparing for extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
NOAA officials and experts highlight the agency's vital contributions to the economy and public safety, emphasizing the risks of reduced capacity and urging caution in implementing such drastic changes.