Recent budget reductions to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have raised concerns globally, including in Kenya, where weather forecasting and climate research are heavily reliant on NOAA's data. NOAA, a key U.S. agency responsible for global weather and climate monitoring, has been a vital resource for the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) since its establishment in 1970.
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| National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Ship |
Through NOAA’s satellite systems, KMD accesses critical data, such as Global Forecasting System (GFS) data, to predict weather patterns, monitor ocean temperatures, and track phenomena like El Niño and La Niña. In addition, NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch helps protect Kenya’s ocean ecosystems by tracking ocean heat levels that contribute to coral bleaching.
The funding cuts, which have led to 800 job losses, are expected to reduce the quality and availability of these essential forecasts. These data are crucial not only for weather prediction but also for early warning systems, fisheries management, and climate research, which help mitigate the impacts of climate change. As the world faces more frequent climate-related disasters, the international collaboration facilitated by NOAA is at risk.
Experts, including former NOAA climate scientist Tom Di Liberto, have warned that the consequences of these cuts extend beyond U.S. borders. A petition signed by over 2,500 scientists urges U.S. lawmakers to preserve NOAA’s funding to protect global scientific collaboration and enhance climate research.
The loss of NOAA’s resources would hinder the accuracy of global weather tracking, affecting forecasts in regions like Europe and Kenya. As climate change continues to pose serious threats to vulnerable communities, maintaining robust scientific data and collaboration has never been more critical.
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