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In the latest move to erode US climate action, the Trump administration has dismissed over 800 employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), alarming scientists who warn of heightened risks from extreme weather. The cuts, part of a broader federal downsizing led by Trump and Elon Musk, target probationary workers, including marine and climate researchers. NOAA provides crucial forecasting data, supports emergency response efforts and aids global climate studies. Experts say weakened forecasting could result in more disaster-related deaths. Critics argue the redundancies, aligned with Project 2025’s call to dismantle NOAA, endanger public safety and economic stability without significantly reducing government spending. (Reuters)
Why does this matter? The mass layoffs at NOAA could have wide-reaching implications, particularly as climate change drives more extreme weather events. NOAA plays a crucial role in forecasting hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters, enabling governments, businesses and communities to prepare and respond effectively. Weakening NOAA’s capabilities may lead to less accurate predictions, increasing risks to public safety, infrastructure and supply chains. The decision also signals a broader rollback of federal support for climate science, which could impact global research and mitigation efforts. For Rio Tinto, the NOAA downsizing may pose operational risks in addition to supply chain vulnerabilities, given that weather monitoring is crucial to shipping and logistics.
In just weeks, the Trump administration has aggressively dismantled US climate policies, reversing regulations, halting clean energy funding and boosting fossil fuel production. Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement, froze billions in climate grants and fired thousands of federal workers, including at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in addition to NOAA. The administration also seeks to revoke California’s authority to ban petrol cars by 2035. Critics warn these moves will accelerate global warming, weaken environmental protections and hinder clean technology. Legal challenges are mounting as agencies defy court orders to restore funding.
The absence of US scientists from key UN climate meetings has raised concerns about the future of global climate research. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently met in China to plan its next major report, but US federal experts were missing due to Trump administration staff cuts and a withdrawal from international climate initiatives. The US has historically been the largest contributor to the IPCC, providing $59.2m since the organisation’s inception. Critics warn that reduced US involvement weakens global climate science. The US was also absent from the resumed UN COP16 biodiversity summit in February, further highlighting its retreat from international environmental efforts.
The Trump administration and congressional Republicans are planning to overturn California’s ban on new petrol-powered car sales by 2035 using the Congressional Review Act. However, the ban is based on a federal waiver granted under the Clean Air Act, which the Government Accountability Office has ruled is not subject to congressional review. Environmental groups and California officials argue the move is illegal. The California Air Resources Board has condemned the effort, stating no previous administration, Republican or Democrat, has attempted such action. The dispute could have significant implications for US climate policy and the electric vehicle industry.
The Trump administration’s rollback of climate policies and NOAA’s downsizing undermine global climate research and disaster preparedness, increasing risks for businesses such as Rio Tinto. With weaker forecasting and regulatory uncertainty, companies must adapt to a more volatile environmental and policy landscape.