NOAA layoffs threaten climate research and public safety
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is responsible for weather forecasting, is planning another round of layoffs, affecting 1,029 employees. Experts warn that the Donald Trump administration's actions could restrict critical climate research and put Americans' safety at risk.
The Reuters agency, citing its sources, notes that these additional cuts to this government institution, which also participates 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 programme—which offers less essential employees a financial incentive, typically up to £20,000, in exchange for voluntary departure—will reduce the staff of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by about 20 percent since the start of the year.
The buyout programme helps government agencies minimise the extent of forced layoffs, which can be costly and problematic.
Limitations on key climate research
All US government agencies have been ordered to draft layoff plans by 13 March as part of Trump’s campaign to restructure the government thoroughly.
Experts warn that reductions at NOAA could limit vital 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 strict 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.
