The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced that it will cease its monthly updates regarding seasonal weather forecasts and global climate conditions, attributing this significant change to recent staffing challenges.
A spokesperson for NOAA highlighted that staffing shortages—stemming from cuts, resignations, and retirements—have hindered the agency’s ability to maintain these updates. Despite this, NOAA affirmed that the National Centers for Environmental Information will continue to publish their monthly reports.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential influence of the current administration on the communication of climate issues. Tom Di Liberto, a former NOAA climate scientist, noted that there appears to be apprehension among staff about discussing climate change openly. “Employees may fear repercussions for contradicting political directives,” he commented.
The monthly calls typically featured NOAA scientists sharing vital updates on various environmental forecasts, including global temperature trends, seasonal weather predictions, and drought information. These sessions allowed for direct inquiries from reporters, enhancing understanding of these critical topics.
In recent briefings, scientists have been known to discuss human-induced climate change and its impact on rising temperatures. However, in the first call under the new administration, NOAA researchers refrained from acknowledging climate change in the context of record temperatures observed in January, which raised questions after a specific inquiry from a reporter.
While no formal directive against mentioning climate change has been issued, Di Liberto emphasized the current atmosphere of apprehension within NOAA, suggesting that staff may feel pressured to withhold important scientific information. “There’s a fear of job loss and concern that their critical work may be stifled,” he expressed.
Since January, the agency has reportedly seen the termination of nearly a thousand employees, with additional cuts expected. This restructuring could affect over a thousand more positions, representing about ten percent of NOAA’s workforce.
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