Recent layoffs at NOAA raise concerns from scientists and policymakers about the potential impact on weather forecasts and cyclone tracking in India. The reduction in NOAA’s observational data might diminish predictability and accuracy in weather predictions. Experts stress the serious implications on climate science and emphasize the need for global cooperation in monitoring efforts.
Concerns have been raised by scientists and policymakers regarding recent layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), emphasizing that any decrease in observational data may negatively influence monsoon forecasts and cyclone tracking in India. Approximately 200 meteorologists and other employees on probation were terminated last week, which could hinder local weather forecasting efforts.
M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, expressed his apprehensions, stating, “We are worried. If NOAA reduces observations, there will be implications on weather forecasts. When ocean observations reduce, there is less data to assimilate. Hence predictability will reduce.” This reduction could lead to a decrease in the accuracy of predictions.
Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute for Tropical Meteorology, characterized the NOAA layoffs as a crisis impacting global climate science. He remarked, “For India, the monsoon forecasts, cyclone tracking, and climate projections rely on NOAA’s models,” highlighting the international ramifications of these layoffs on climate monitoring and disaster preparedness.
Dr. Koll further added that NOAA supports half of the Indian Ocean’s observational network, indicating that without this data, warnings for severe weather events would be compromised. He asserted, “This is more than a budget cut. It is a direct threat to climate resilience, research, and preparedness worldwide. The world cannot afford to lose NOAA.”
India’s environmental agencies employ instruments like argo floats and buoys for ocean observations to enhance forecasting models in the Indian Ocean, which are complemented by NOAA’s deployments in the region. Dr. Koll emphasized the importance of international cooperation in climate research, stating, “Collaboration is key to science – and particularly climate research and action. Monitoring across global oceans is essential to predict India’s weather and climate, but no single country can do it alone.”
The layoffs at NOAA pose a potential threat to climate science and weather forecasting, particularly in India. The reduction in observational data could severely limit the accuracy of monsoon forecasts and cyclone tracking, endangering millions. Experts emphasize the need for international collaboration and the significance of NOAA’s contributions to global climate monitoring and preparation efforts.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
