NOAA Cuts 880 Staff, Threatens Climate Services Nationwide

On February 27, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced significant layoffs affecting approximately 880 employees, including many meteorologists from the National Weather Service. Critics, including lawmakers and environmental advocates, decried the cuts as harmful to essential services such as weather forecasting and climate research, potentially jeopardizing public safety during extreme weather events. Congressman Jared Huffman and other Democratic leaders characterized the layoffs as part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency to dismantle NOAA and privatize its functions. Employees shared their concerns over losing experienced staff crucial for accurate forecasting and emergency response, with one calling the cuts