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The government of U.S. President Donald Trump has begun a new round of layoffs that will affect the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a key agency responsible for monitoring the country's climate, oceans, and fisheries.
According to sources close to the agency to The Associated Press, more than 1,000 employees will be laid off, representing approximately 10% of its current workforce.
On Tuesday, NOAA began planning layoffs, and managers were instructed to submit the names of the affected positions to headquarters, which will then be forwarded to the Department of Commerce, NOAA's parent agency.
In total, it is expected that 1,029 positions will be eliminated from the current 10,290 employees of the agency.
The cuts continue a series of staff reductions that began in February with layoffs and incentivized retirements, significantly impacting NOAA's operations.
When these 1,029 workers leave, approximately a quarter of the agency's jobs will have been lost since Trump took office.
Known primarily for its weather forecasts and monitoring of natural phenomena such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and tsunamis, NOAA also plays a crucial role in managing the nation's fisheries, conducting research on climate change and space weather, and supporting disaster responses such as oil spills.
His former administrator, Rick Spinrad, expressed his concern about the budget cuts, noting that they endanger essential capabilities. "This is not government efficiency; it is the first step toward eradication," he stated.
Despite the criticism, NOAA spokesperson Monica Allen stated that they will continue to fulfill their mission of public safety by providing weather information, forecasts, and warnings.
However, the reduction in staff has already had a visible impact: the agency has stopped launching weather balloons in two key locations, Albany, New York, and Gray, Maine, due to the lack of personnel.
Additionally, there are concerns that cuts to research funding may hinder the development of technologies to improve weather forecasting, which could cause the United States to lose its technological leadership in the sector.
Former NOAA chief scientist Craig McLean warned that people will soon begin to see the consequences of the measures, both in the accuracy of weather forecasts and in the sustainability of commercial fisheries.
Frequently asked questions about budget cuts at the U.S. National Weather Service.
How many employees will be laid off from the U.S. Meteorological Agency?
More than 1,000 employees will be laid off from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), representing about 10% of its current workforce.
How will these budget cuts affect the accuracy of weather forecasts in the U.S.?
The cuts could affect the accuracy of weather forecasts in the U.S., as the reduction of personnel and research grants could limit the development of new technologies to enhance forecasting.
What impact will the cuts have on hurricane season preparedness?
According to Florida congressmembers, the cuts pose a threat to hurricane preparedness, as they would reduce the resources and personnel necessary to effectively monitor and predict these phenomena.
Which other areas of NOAA will be affected by the layoffs?
In addition to weather forecasts, fisheries management and research on climate change and space weather could be affected, which may have implications for the sustainability of commercial fisheries and disaster response capabilities.
What is the Trump administration's stance on these cuts?
The Trump administration, led by Elon Musk in the Department of Government Efficiency, defends the cuts as a means to reduce public spending and modernize state management, despite criticisms regarding the negative impact on the safety and operations of key agencies such as NOAA.
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