Trump and His Allies Target Environmental Science for ‘Wholesale Destruction’: What It Means for Our Planet

The United States is on the brink of a government shutdown, and it could spell trouble for vital Earth and climate science programs. Without a budget or temporary funding bill by the end of the month, many of these crucial initiatives may face deep cuts.

President Trump has proposed significant reductions to agencies involved in climate research. In the event of a shutdown, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) might push for layoffs, affecting careers tied to projects deemed “non-essential” by the administration. This approach marks a shift from previous shutdown practices, where federal workers were usually furloughed rather than fired.

Experts are worried. Bobby Kogan, a former OMB official, questions the legality of these potential layoffs during a shutdown. “It feels like intimidation,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer remarked about the OMB’s memo. Many believe this could be a move to reshape the federal government according to the administration’s vision, bypassing Congress.

Tim Whitehouse, from Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, called the plan “illegal, unconstitutional, and deeply disturbing.” He emphasizes the traditional expectation that a shutdown leads to furloughs, not firings. The memo causes unease among scientists who are already concerned about funding cuts.

Last year, Trump submitted a budget that proposed cutting NASA’s funding by 24%, with science programs facing reductions of over 46%. This would drastically affect Earth science programs, slashing funding by more than half. Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is under threat of losing entire climate research budgets and critical programs aimed at understanding climate change.

Elisabeth Moyer, a scientist at the University of Chicago, commented, “This is wholesale destruction; people often don’t realize the extent.” The proposed cuts would halt at least 14 NASA Earth science missions, including satellite operations crucial for monitoring environmental changes. If the government shuts down, the uncertainty could lead agencies to comply with these drastic measures.

Rick Spinrad, a NOAA administrator under Biden, reported a substantial loss in workforce this year, with around 2,000 employees leaving through layoffs or resignations. Such staff shortages can lead to unreliable weather forecasting and delayed responses during emergencies. The Senate Appropriations Committee is also tracking the more than $400 million already withheld or canceled in NOAA funding for critical disaster response initiatives.

With phrases like “losing pixels in a mosaic,” former NOAA deputy administrator Monica Medina highlights what it means for public safety when funding for weather forecasting is reduced. “When you cut holes in the mosaic, the picture gets fuzzier,” she noted, stressing the detrimental effects on lives and livelihoods.

This situation is not just budgetary; it reflects broader societal values regarding the prioritization of climate science. The decisions being made today could significantly affect the future of climate research and our ability to respond to environmental challenges.

As scientists and public sector workers face uncertain futures, the discourse around climate funding remains critical. Understanding the implications of these cuts may inspire conversations about how society values scientific inquiry and public safety.

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