U.S. cuts at NOAA impact Australian climate predictions

Recent staff cuts at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) are expected to impact climate science and weather forecasting in Australia. The Trump administration has fired 880 workers and plans to cut 1,000 more, affecting international collaborations. Australian meteorologists rely on Noaa data for weather forecasts and climate predictions. The cuts may reduce the availability of crucial sea surface temperature observations, which are essential for predicting events like El Niño and La Niña. Experts warn that these changes could degrade Australia's ability to develop climate models and forecasts. Noaa's contributions are vital for global climate research, and the suspension of international collaborations could hinder progress in understanding climate change.