NASA Workforce Reduction Raises Concerns for Climate Research

NASA has announced a significant workforce reduction, closing key offices such as the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, under directives from President Trump's administration. This move affects around 23 employees and aligns with a broader initiative to streamline federal agencies, according to Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro. The closures have sparked concerns about the future of NASA's climate research, as Katherine Calvin, the chief scientist and a senior climate advisor, is among those impacted. The restructuring efforts, executed in collaboration with the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget, aim to optimize government operations and reduce costs. Critics argue that these cuts could undermine NASA's ability to conduct independent scientific research and address climate change effectively, and the scientific community fears that the elimination of these offices could weaken NASA's influence on policy decisions and its scientific initiatives.