The NOAA has implemented new restrictions on its scientists that present challenges for international collaboration and could affect the quality of weather forecasts. Employees are now required to document all international engagements which will be reviewed by a political appointee, creating an administrative burden that disrupts routine work. These measures have been met with concern within NOAA and among international partners, as staff fear it may signal a broader crackdown on climate-related research. This adds pressure during a critical time for federal employees and may hinder NOAA's vital forecasting capabilities.
"My expectation is that it's going to be a crackdown on climate, said a senior Noaa scientist. People are just somewhere between disturbed and terrified."
"The new restrictions also require all Noaa employees and affiliates to document all international engagements in an internal spreadsheet for approval by a Trump political appointee on a case-by-case basis."
"It's a crazy amount of stuff to do. Working internationally is so routine, it's just hardly thought of."
"The Noaa directive did not outright bar its scientists from continuing ongoing international collaboration, but the additional administrative burden appears to be especially onerous for the National Weather Service."
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