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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the nation’s premier agency for weather and climate science, has been told by the Trump administration to prepare to lose another 1,000 workers, raising concerns that NOAA’s lifesaving forecasts might be hindered as hurricane and disaster season approaches.
The new dismissals would come in addition to the roughly 1,300 NOAA staff members who have already resigned or been laid off in recent weeks. The moves have alarmed scientists, meteorologists and others at the agency, which includes the National Weather Service. Some activities, including the launching of weather balloons, have already been suspended because of staffing shortages.
Together, the reductions would represent nearly 20 percent of NOAA’s approximately 13,000-member work force.
Managers within NOAA have been told to draw up proposals for layoffs and reorganizations to trim the agency’s staff by at least 1,000 people, according to eight people who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss the plans publicly. NOAA managers have been asked to complete their proposals by Tuesday, one of the people said. The proposals are likely to involve eliminating some of the agency’s functions, though managers have received little guidance about which programs to prioritize for cutting.
The recent employee departures have already affected NOAA’s operations in many realms: predicting hurricanes and tornadoes, overseeing fisheries and endangered species, monitoring the changes that humans are bringing about to Earth’s climate and ecosystems.
NOAA has been singled out for cuts by some of Mr. Trump’s allies. Project 2025 calls NOAA “one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry.” The document calls for the agency to be dismantled and some of its functions eliminated or privatized. The idea that private companies could replace NOAA in forecasting the weather is a “gross misunderstanding,” said Keith Seitter, a distinguished visiting lecturer in meteorology and climate science at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass: “The app on your phone or what you’re watching on TV, those are private-sector companies, but those private-sector companies depend critically on NOAA for all the information that they’re using to create those forecasts,” Dr. Seitter said. “It’s a coordinated effort.”
Employees who are still working at NOAA describe feelings of deep anxiety. Their colleagues have been let go unannounced, meaning they have no idea who might simply not show up for work. With their government-issued credit cards frozen, they can’t buy supplies for research projects or travel to retrieve instruments that have been installed at sea. They are scrambling to back up their scientific data, fearful that programs might be shuttered or leases on buildings canceled.
© 2015 Mutual Fund Observer. All rights reserved.
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Comments
If the answer is: "It didn't affect my investing" in any way, just say so.
NOAA's 20% redux in force apparently didn't change your investing one iota. ??
I mean a thread is supposed to be a conversation, not a monologue... (or is it?)
But maybe its not relevant at all?
OK, that's fine... can you please explain why it isn't relevant to investing? It's hard to "engage in a discussion" if you can't explain your position.
Here's how NOAA's work affects investing:
Weather Forecasting and Severe Weather Warnings:
NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) provides vital weather forecasts and warnings, crucial for industries like agriculture (planting, harvesting), transportation (flights, shipping), and insurance.
Accurate forecasts reduce damages from storms, impacting insurance claims and property values, allowing for more efficient operation of key industries.
Severe weather warnings can cause short-term disruptions, potentially impacting stock prices of companies operating in affected areas, but also opportunities for companies that benefit from disaster relief.
Climate Change Monitoring and Research:
NOAA's climate data and research are essential for businesses to adapt to climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and ocean acidification.
These changes can influence long-term investments in renewable energy (offshore wind, solar), infrastructure (dams, coastal defenses), and agriculture (crop diversification).
Fisheries Management:
NOAA's fisheries management programs impact businesses in the seafood industry, including fishing companies, processors, and retailers.
NOAA's stock assessments and regulations influence the sustainability and availability of seafood, impacting profitability and supply chain stability.
NOAA's work also supports the "blue economy" (ocean-based industries), which includes tourism, shipping, and renewable energy.
Coastal Resilience and Habitat Restoration:
NOAA's efforts to protect and restore coastal habitats are essential for protecting coastal ecosystems that support tourism and fisheries.
These efforts help reduce vulnerabilities of coastal communities and infrastructure to climate impacts, which in turn protects businesses and investments in these regions.
NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) offer funding opportunities for coastal resilience projects and habitat restoration.
Examples of NOAA's Impact on Investing:
Enabling Infrastructure Investments:
NOAA data helps assess risks associated with infrastructure projects, allowing investors to make more informed decisions on investments in coastal regions.
Supporting the Renewable Energy Industry:
NOAA supports offshore wind energy projects, which requires information about marine environment conditions, wave height and direction, etc.
Supporting Small Business Innovation:
NOAA's SBIR program provides funding for small businesses to innovate in weather, climate, and ocean research, which can drive commercialization of new technologies.
Helping to Predict Climate Impacts:
NOAA's climate models and projections inform investors about the potential risks and opportunities of different climate scenarios.
Supporting the Blue Economy:
NOAA supports the development of a blue economy, which includes ocean-based industries like fishing, aquaculture, and tourism, which have significant economic value."
Someone is seriously posing the question whether weather expertise cuts will ultimately have an effect on corporate profits?
He certainly isn't much for having "discussions" though, is he? Kind of short on facts.
Investing change example? I switched my VDE holding from "long term holding" to a short term "buy on dip, sell more on peaks" kind of thing. It's been pretty much flat since 2022 but pays a 3-ish% dividend; this strategy will let me gradually decrease my holding in a slightly more tax efficient manner. Oil company boards are fools, borrowing money to pay big dividends, extracting more when that means flooding the market with crude. Sold my XOM and CVX back in 2023 and 24, they have been flat, and once could argue their dividends are unsustainable.
The finance impact is higher insurance cost. Many large insurance companies simply stop writing new insurance policy in those state such as California. In some high risk locations, the policy cost skyrocketed. Real estate value of coastal Florida are impacted from the hurricane insurance. As an investor, climate change has a direct and substantial cost to the bottom line of the insurance companies and your investment.