Scientists on alert as NOAA restricts contact with foreign nationals

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued new restrictions on contact with foreign nationals, including collaborations on international treaties and seafood catch limits
• The directive has caused confusion among NOAA scientists, delaying key agency work
• The policy change comes as the Trump administration reshapes NOAA’s role and oversight

🔭 The context: NOAA staff were informed that all international engagements now require prior approval, and some NOAA websites have been taken over by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
• Congressional Democrats have expressed concerns about NOAA’s potential dismantling
• The administration has also removed diversity-related content from government websites and scrutinized related research

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: NOAA plays a crucial role in climate monitoring, weather forecasting, and oceanic research, and restrictions on international cooperation could hamper global scientific collaboration
• The move raises concerns about political interference in climate science. Scientists fear further erosion of NOAA’s ability to address environmental challenges

⏭️ What's next: Lawmakers are preparing to challenge any attempts to weaken NOAA, with Senate hearings on the agency’s future underway
• The nomination of Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary, overseeing NOAA, is under scrutiny
Concerns remain over the potential suppression of climate-related research and data

💬 One quote: “Americans rely on NOAA’s services, day in and day out.” – Reps. Jared Huffman and Zoe Lofgren, U.S. Congress

📈 One stat: NOAA employs approximately 13,000 staff members, many of whom are now uncertain about their future roles

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