President Trump’s pick to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defended sweeping budget cuts during a Senate hearing, just days after deadly floods killed more than 120 people across three states.
Georgina Gustin reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Neil Jacobs, nominated to head NOAA, voiced support for proposed 30% budget cuts despite recent catastrophic floods in Texas, North Carolina, and New Mexico.
- Jacobs acknowledged human-driven climate change when pressed but emphasized “natural variability,” raising concerns he may downplay the connection between climate and extreme weather.
- The cuts would eliminate climate research labs and reduce scientific staffing, even as the National Weather Service remains short-staffed and under pressure from escalating weather disasters.
Key quote:
“Dr. Jacobs’ testimony revealed a fundamental disconnect between his stated support for NOAA’s mission in weather, water, and climate, and his endorsement of a budget that would dismantle the very scientific infrastructure necessary to carry it out.”
— Carlos Martinez, senior climate scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists
Why this matters:
NOAA plays a critical role in forecasting severe weather and understanding climate change. Its data inform everything from emergency planning to crop insurance rates to public health alerts. When the agency’s budget is slashed, and research divisions are dismantled, the country loses vital warning systems and scientific insight just as storms grow more dangerous and less predictable.
Related: Flood deaths rise in Texas as Trump slashes disaster preparedness and weather forecasting
