Congress flags U.S. ‘downsizing’ NOAA; says India must boost research capacity in earth sciences

Jairam Ramesh. File
| Photo Credit: PTI

The Congress on Friday (March 7, 2025) claimed the downsizing on the U.S.’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) might adversely impression India, and stated the nation must improve its personal research capacity and functionality in earth sciences very considerably.

Congress basic secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared on X a media report which claimed the transfer to downsize the U.S. meteorological physique might damage its knowledge assortment all over the world.

Global coordination can trump efforts to undercut local weather predictions

“Right now the Modi government’s priority appears to be a trade deal to deal with President Trump’s threats on tariffs. But his actions in other areas too could have adverse impacts on India,” Mr. Ramesh stated on X.

“The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been of great importance to our understanding of the monsoon. But NOAA has been identified by President Trump for downsizing and big cuts,” he stated.

Mr. Ramesh stated the NOAA collects world knowledge on parameters akin to temperature, salinity, and sea ranges which can be essential for modelling monsoon behaviour. “Ocean data used for monsoon forecasts since 2009 has come largely from NOAA,” he identified.

The Congress chief additional stated the NOAA contributes to about 40% of the subsurface observations in the Indian Ocean whereas India contributes round 11%.

“Actually it is not just for India — NOAA is a global public good essential to monitoring and managing climate change. It faces an uncertain future. It also means India will have to enhance its own research capacity and capability in earth sciences very significantly,” he stated.

Scientists and policymakers in India have voiced concern over the layoffs on the U.S. local weather company, saying any discount in commentary knowledge might have an effect on monsoon forecasts and cyclone monitoring throughout the nation.

Hundreds of climate forecasters and different federal NOAA staff on probationary standing have been fired in late February. These included meteorologists who did essential native forecasts in the nationwide climate service workplaces.