I remember that crazy ice storm we had last month,
the one that shut down the whole city.
Oh yeah.
I was stuck at home for days.
Just glued to the weather updates,
waiting for things to thaw out.
Right.
And it really hit me then.
Yeah.
Just how much we all rely on Noah.
You mean the National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration?
Yeah.
For basically everything.
It's true though.
We do kind of take Noah for granted, I think.
They're the ones behind the scenes,
making sure we get those accurate forecasts
and the severe weather warnings.
And even the data that helps us figure out
those long-term climate trends.
Exactly.
So, okay, we rely on them a lot.
We do.
But here's the thing.
What's that?
Noah's facing some serious challenges.
Oh.
Challenges that could directly impact the accuracy.
Oh wow.
And the speed of the information we get.
And we're talking about layoffs.
Layoffs.
There's just a few positions here and there.
Wow.
Like big time layoffs.
Okay, so how many people are we talking about here?
Well, over 800.
800.
Employees are being let go.
And that's out of a workforce of roughly 13,000.
Wow.
That's a lot.
So that's like losing, what, an entire graduating class
of meteorologists and scientists.
Like all that expertise just gone.
Yeah.
And it's not just happening at Noah headquarters either.
It's across the board.
Impacting the national weather service, research labs.
Yeah.
The satellite division, even the office of space commerce.
Wow, 800 people.
I know.
That's huge.
And you mentioned something earlier about probationary
employees being particularly affected.
Yes.
A large portion of those being laid off
are those probationary employees.
Which means they have less than two years of service.
So they're like the new folks.
Yeah.
We're losing a lot of that newer talent.
The folks who are just getting started and bringing
fresh perspectives to the agency.
What's ironic is that this is happening at the same time
as a government buyout program.
That's encouraging older, more experienced employees
to retire early.
So it's like a double whammy.
It is a double whammy for Noah.
Why?
Losing both ends of the experience spectrum.
So we have these massive layoffs happening.
We do.
But why?
Well.
What's the driving force behind it all?
A big part of it seems to be the Department of Government
Efficiency, which is headed by Elon Musk.
Their goal is to basically shrink the federal government.
And Noah has been told to brace for potential budget cuts.
Budget cuts.
Up to how much?
Up to 1 third.
A third of their budget.
A third.
That's insane.
I know.
What would that even mean for Noah's ability to function?
To function properly?
Yeah.
It's hard to say exactly what would be on the chopping block,
you know?
Right.
But it could be devastating.
Yeah.
Think about it.
Yeah.
The research programs that are studying climate change.
The vital data collected by satellites and weather balloons,
even the maintenance of critical infrastructure,
these things cost money.
And without sufficient funding, Noah's ability
to fulfill its mission would be severely compromised.
And then there's this whole thing about Project 2025.
Oh, yeah.
I know it's like a policy document from the Heritage Foundation.
Right.
But what's the gist of it?
Project 2025 is essentially a blueprint
for how conservatives envision the government
if they were to gain full control.
And one of its key targets is Noah.
Really?
The document calls for its dismantling,
labeling it a bloated bureaucracy driven by climate change alarm.
So we have budget cuts looming, a push to shrink the government.
Right.
And this Project 2025 that seems to have it out for Noah.
Pretty much.
Where does the National Weather Service fit into all of this?
Oh, that's a good question.
Because they're the ones issuing severe weather warnings.
They're like the folks on the front lines, so to speak.
The National Weather Service is already grappling
with staffing shortages.
Oh, really?
And struggling to attract new talent.
Mm.
These layoffs are only going to make things worse.
Oh, wow.
We're already seeing the impact in places like Alaska.
OK.
Where a weather balloon launch had to be canceled
because they were understaffed.
Really?
Yeah.
These balloons provide critical data for forecasting.
Wow.
And if we can't even get them off the ground,
it raises some serious concerns.
That's pretty alarming, especially when you consider that
severe weather season is just around the corner in the southeast.
Exactly.
And then hurricane season is coming up, too.
The timing of these cuts couldn't be worse.
We need more resources.
Exactly.
Not fewer.
Yes.
To handle the increasing frequency and intensity
of extreme weather events.
OK.
So we've got these layoffs happening at a critical time.
Yes.
And it seems like there's a lot of pushback.
There is.
I've heard that some lawmakers are speaking out pretty forcefully
against these cuts.
Yes.
Lawmakers like Senator Maria Cantwell.
OK.
And Representative Jared Huffman have been very vocal
in their criticisms.
What do they say?
Well, Cantwell called this a direct hit.
A direct hit?
To our economy.
Wow.
Pointing out that NOAA's work supports more than a third
of the nation's GDP.
Wow.
And Huffman emphasized how people nationwide depend on NOAA
for accurate forecasts and severe weather alerts
and emergency information, especially during times of crisis.
So it sounds like they're trying to sound the alarm bell
and get people to pay attention to what's happening.
Absolutely.
To understand the potential consequences
of weakening NOAA.
And it's not just lawmakers who are concerned.
Scientists and environmental groups
are also expressing alarm.
What are they saying?
They're worried about the loss of expertise,
the impact on vital research, and the potential for setbacks
in our understanding and response to climate change.
So we're losing valuable knowledge and capacity.
Exactly.
At a time when we need it most.
And then there's like the human side of it all.
Right.
I was reading about Emma Esquivel.
Who's that?
She's an executive assistant in Alaska
who is laid off despite being overqualified for her position.
Oh, wow.
It's easy to get caught up in the big picture.
Yeah.
But stories like hers remind us that these decisions
have real consequences for real people.
Her story is a powerful reminder that behind these statistics
and policy pronouncements, there are individuals
with families and dreams and livelihoods
that are being upended.
So we've got layoffs at NOAA, a push
to shrink the government, a policy document targeting
the agency, and a chorus of criticism
from lawmakers, scientists, and environmental groups.
It's a lot.
It paints a pretty bleak picture.
It does.
But it's important to remember that we're not
powerless in this situation.
OK.
It's a good point.
We can make a difference by staying informed,
engaging in discussions.
Yeah.
And making our voices heard.
Absolutely.
We'll talk more about that later in the episode.
Sounds good.
So we just talked about how NOAA is facing some major hurdles.
Budget cuts, layoffs, and a political climate.
Yeah.
That doesn't seem to be very supportive of their mission.
Yeah.
But let's dive a little deeper into the potential consequences
of all of this, especially when it
comes to the National Weather Service.
OK.
Those are the folks who are issuing those severe weather
warnings that literally save lives.
It's easy to take those warnings for granted.
Oh, yeah.
But think about it.
How often do you check the weather app?
All the time?
Before you head out the door or planning a trip?
Right.
Even just deciding what to wear for the day?
Yeah.
Behind those simple forecasts you see
is a really complex network of technology and expertise.
Wow.
A lot of which is provided by the National Weather Service.
Right.
A key part of NOAA.
Right.
And we're not just talking about whether to pack an umbrella.
We're talking about.
We're talking about the big stuff.
The big stuff.
Hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, flash floods,
events that can cause massive damage and disruption,
even loss of life.
Exactly.
And those accurate forecasts and timely warnings
depend on a well-staffed and well-equipped National Weather
Service.
For sure.
But as we talked about earlier, the NWS
is already facing staffing shortages.
They are.
Struggling to recruit new talent.
Yes.
And now they're being hit with these layoffs.
On top of everything else.
So fewer staff means what exactly?
Well, think about it.
Yeah.
Slower response times.
Yeah.
Less accurate forecasts.
What's the real impact here?
Imagine a scenario where a severe thunderstorm is developing.
Right.
You need skilled meteorologists to analyze the radar data.
Mm-hmm.
Run the forecast models.
Right.
And issue those timely warnings to the public.
Uh-huh.
But if you're short-staffed, those critical tasks
might get delayed.
Right.
And that could potentially put lives at risk.
It's not just about the number of people, right?
No.
It's about having the right people.
Exactly.
With the right expertise in the right places.
Absolutely.
Losing experienced forecasters, especially those specializing
in specific types of weather events,
or certain geographic regions, can create gaps in knowledge
and expertise that are hard to fill.
It's like a well-oiled machine, suddenly having parts removed.
Things might still function, but not as smoothly or efficiently.
And in the case of severe weather,
those inefficiencies can have dire consequences.
And it's not just about predicting the weather itself
right.
It's also about communicating that information
effectively to the public.
Yeah.
To emergency management officials.
Yes.
Clear, concise, and timely warnings
can mean the difference between life and death.
Exactly.
In a severe weather situation.
And remember, we're heading into spring now,
which is like prime time for severe weather outbreaks.
Especially in the southeast.
Particularly in the southeast.
Yeah.
And then, of course, we have hurricane season.
Looming large on the horizon.
Coming up, I read that even the hurricane hunters
are being affected by these cuts.
Really?
Those are the folks who fly right into the eye of the storm.
They do.
They fly right into the eye of the storm.
To gather crucial data.
Yes.
The hurricane hunters play a vital role
in understanding the intensity and track
of those powerful storms.
Right.
Their observations help forecasters
issue more accurate predictions.
Yeah.
Giving people more time to prepare.
Right.
And evacuate if necessary.
Yeah.
But they operate on a tight budget.
Oh, really?
And they rely on a highly skilled and experienced crew.
Even a small reduction in staff or funding
could have a significant impact on their ability
to do their job effectively.
It seems like everything's connected.
It is.
And any disruption to one part of the system
could have ripple effects throughout.
That's exactly right.
It's a delicate balance.
Yeah.
And these layoffs at NOAA, especially
within the National Weather Service,
are throwing that balance off at a time
when we can least afford it.
But it's not just about immediate forecasts and warnings.
No, it's not.
NOAA also does a lot of long-term research and monitoring.
They do.
That helps us understand.
Yes.
And prepare for future climate change impacts.
Very important work.
How are these layoffs going to affect that critical work?
That's a crucial point.
NOAA plays a key role in gathering climate data,
conducting research, and developing models
that help us understand how our planet is changing
and what those changes mean for our future.
So it's like long-term stuff.
Yes.
This work informs policy decisions.
Helps communities adapt to rising sea levels
and more extreme weather events, and guides efforts
to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
So if NOAA is weakened by these cuts,
our ability to understand and respond to climate change
is also weakened.
Is also weakened.
Unfortunately, yes.
Wow.
We risk losing valuable data, delaying critical research,
and ultimately hindering our ability
to make informed decisions.
What, climate change?
About one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity.
And it just seems so counterintuitive.
I know.
We're seeing more and more evidence
of climate change impacts, record-breaking heat waves,
more intense storms rising sea levels,
yet we're cutting funding to the very agency that
helps us understand and address these issues.
It's a concerning paradox.
And it's not just about funding either.
What else is it about?
It's about the overall message being sent.
When you cut budgets and staff at agencies like NOAA,
it sends a signal that climate change isn't a priority.
And that can have ripple effects far beyond the agency
itself.
What do you mean by that?
Well, it can discourage talented young scientists
from pursuing careers in climate-related fields.
So like the next generation.
Exactly.
It can undermine public trust in scientific institutions.
Oh, wow.
And it can make it harder to enact meaningful policies.
To actually address climate change.
To address climate change, yes.
So these layoffs are not just about numbers on a spreadsheet.
No, they're not.
They represent a potential setback
in our understanding of our planet
and our ability to address one of the most pressing challenges
of our time.
It's pretty disheartening.
It is.
But I think it's important to remember
that we're not powerless in this situation.
We're not.
We can still make a difference.
That's a good point.
We'll talk more about that in the next segment.
But before we do, I want to circle back to something
we touched on earlier.
The human cost of these layoffs.
Real people with families, dreams, careers
that are being disrupted by these decisions.
We can't forget about them.
Amidst all the talk of budgets and policy.
You're absolutely right.
Behind every statistic, there's a human story.
There is.
People who have dedicated their lives to public service,
to science.
To protecting our planet.
Their contributions are invaluable.
They are.
And we shouldn't lose sight of that.
Absolutely not.
Like Emma Esquivel, the executive assistant in Alaska
who was laid off.
Her story is a reminder that these decisions have real world
consequences for individuals and their families.
These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
These are people's lives.
It's important to keep that in mind
as we continue this conversation.
So we've spent the last two segments talking
about the threats to NOAA.
The budget cuts the politically motivated attacks.
And then the very real consequences
of all those staffing shortages.
Especially for the National Weather Service.
Exactly.
But it's not all doom and gloom.
Let's shift gears a little bit.
OK.
And explore what can be done.
Yeah.
What actions can be taken.
To protect NOAA.
And the really important services that it provides.
It's easy to get overwhelmed by how big this problem is.
I feel like you want to just give up.
Totally.
But there are things that we can do.
Both on a policy level.
And through things that we do every day.
All right.
So let's start with the big picture stuff.
Right.
What kind of policy changes would actually
make a difference for NOAA in the long run?
Well, the most obvious change.
And probably the most impactful.
OK.
Would be to reverse those drastic budget cuts.
Right.
Like we talked about NOAA is facing a potential reduction.
Yeah.
Of one third of its budget.
A third.
Which would be crippling.
Right.
Congress controls the money.
So they need to hear from us.
From their constituents.
Yeah.
Loud and clear that funding for NOAA is essential.
So contacting our representatives.
Letting them know that we value NOAA.
Yes.
That we want to see it properly supported.
Exactly.
That's something that listeners can do right now.
Absolutely.
Every voice matters.
And lawmakers do pay attention to what
their constituents are saying.
OK.
Cool.
So we can reach out to our representative.
We also talked about Project 2025.
Right.
That policy document that seems to be targeting NOAA.
Mm-hmm.
What can we do to counter that kind of attack?
Well, Project 2025 is pushing this narrative.
OK.
That paints NOAA as a wasteful bureaucracy.
Right.
That's obsessed with climate change alarmism.
Right.
It's a dangerous narrative.
Yeah.
And it's really important to counter it with facts,
with evidence, and real-world examples of how valuable NOAA is.
Right.
Because if people don't understand what NOAA actually does.
Exactly.
How its work affects them.
Benefits them directly.
They're more likely to believe that negative spin.
For sure.
So sharing accurate information about NOAA.
Uh-huh.
Highlighting how it contributes to public safety,
to economic well-being.
Right.
And our understanding of the planet.
OK.
These are all important actions we can take to push back
against that misinformation.
So we can fight for NOAA on a policy level.
Yes.
By advocating for funding and countering misinformation.
Exactly.
But what about more immediate solutions
for those staffing shortages.
Right.
At the National Weather Service?
Those are a pressing concern.
Yeah.
Especially with severe weather season coming up.
We need both short-term and long-term strategies.
OK.
So what can we do in the short term?
Well, one option is to try to streamline the hiring process.
Because right now it's like a bureaucratic nightmare.
It can be.
Yeah.
The current process is lengthy and complex.
Right.
Which discourages good people from applying.
Yeah.
And leaves those important positions unfilled.
Makes sense.
So simplifying the process.
Uh-huh.
Making it more competitive with the private sector.
Could help attract and keep that top talent.
So cutting through the red tape.
Yeah.
Making it more appealing to work
for the National Weather Service.
Exactly.
That makes sense.
Yeah.
What about longer-term solutions?
One promising avenue is to strengthen those partnerships.
OK.
With universities and research institutions.
OK.
So working with schools.
Yeah.
This could involve creating more training programs,
offering more internships.
Even collaborating on research projects.
So it's like investing in that next generation of weather
experts.
Exactly.
Making sure there's a pipeline of qualified professionals.
Yeah.
To carry the torch, so to speak.
And what about technology?
Oh, technology's a big one.
Yeah.
Does it have a role to play in all of this?
Definitely.
Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Wow.
Could help automate some of those tasks.
Right.
Which would free up human forecasters
to focus on the more complex and critical stuff.
So not replacing human expertise, but augmenting it.
Exactly.
And making the best use of those limited resources.
Exactly.
Technology is a tool.
And it can be a powerful one if it's used wisely.
It feels like we're talking about a multi-pronged approach.
We are.
We're tackling this problem from different angles.
Yeah.
With both short term and long term solutions.
That's exactly what's needed.
It's a complex issue.
There's no magic bullet.
Right.
But by addressing the funding challenges,
encountering that misinformation, streamlining the hiring
processes, investing in future talent,
and leveraging technology, we can protect NOAA
and make sure it can keep doing that vital work.
And it's important to remember that this isn't just
about some abstract government agency.
This is about all of us.
It is.
It's about having accurate weather information.
Yes.
Understanding how the climate's changing.
Uh-huh.
And making sure our oceans and fisheries are healthy.
It touches our lives in so many ways.
Yeah.
And speaking of staying informed.
Uh-huh.
Yes.
You know our go to weather expert, Rob Jones.
Oh, yeah.
He's been following this whole situation really closely.
He has.
You can find him on Instagram at meteorologist.
OK.
On TikTok at TV meteorologist.
Right.
And on YouTube at Rob Jones hurricane.
He's a great resource for staying up to date.
Yeah.
And understanding how complex all of this is.
So we've covered a lot of ground here.
We have.
You know the challenges facing NOAA.
Uh-huh.
The potential consequences if we don't do anything.
Right.
And thankfully some potential solutions and some hope.
The limbers of hope.
It's a complex issue.
Yeah.
But hopefully this episode has helped
to shed some light.
Yeah.
On how important NOAA is.
For sure.
And the role we can all play in protecting it.
Absolutely.
And remember this is an ongoing conversation.
Yeah.
Stay tuned for future updates as things develop.
Yeah.
And in the meantime, let's all do our part
to support NOAA and its work.
Because at the end of the day.
Yeah.
We all need accurate weather information.
I would say.
Healthy planet.
And a safe future.
Couldn't agree more.
Thanks for joining us on meteorology matters.
My pleasure.