Trump fires hundreds at NOAA, National Weather Service

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🗞️ Driving the news: The Trump administration fired hundreds of probationary employees at NOAA and the National Weather Service, including key personnel responsible for forecasting, radar maintenance, and satellite data collection
• A federal judge later ordered a reversal of mass firings across government agencies, but the impact on NOAA remains unclear
• The cuts come just days before severe weather threats in the southeastern U.S. and months before hurricane season

🔭 The context: The firings primarily affected the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Weather Service, amounting to at least 5% of NOAA’s workforce
• Many affected employees were experienced but were on probationary status due to recent transitions from contractor roles
• The terminations follow a broader push by the Trump administration to shrink the federal workforce by removing thousands of probationary employees

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The loss of critical weather and climate personnel could weaken the U.S. ability to predict and respond to extreme weather events, including hurricanes and flooding
• Experts warn that disruptions in data collection and forecasting may put lives at risk
• The decision also raises concerns about federal preparedness for increasing climate-related disasters
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⏭️ What's next: Democrats have vowed legal action against the firings, arguing they are unlawful and endanger public safety
• NOAA insists it remains committed to its mission, though staff shortages are already affecting operations, including weather balloon launches in Alask
• The ruling from a federal judge may determine whether these terminations are ultimately upheld or reversed

💬 One quote: “If there were to be large staffing reductions at NOAA and NWS … there will be people who die in extreme weather events and weather-related disasters who would not have otherwise.” — Daniel Swain, climate scientist at UCLA

📈 One stat: The terminations represent at least 5% of NOAA’s workforce, according to an estimate shared by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland)

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