The Crucial Role of Mauna Loa Observatory in Tracking Earth’s Climate
On the slopes of Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, lies the Mauna Loa Observatory, a cornerstone of global climate science. Since 1958, this facility has been meticulously monitoring the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, providing critical data on the planet’s warming. The observatory’s findings have been instrumental in creating the Keeling Curve, a seminal graph that illustrates the steady and alarming rise in carbon dioxide levels over the decades. This data is not just numbers on a chart; it serves as a window into the health of our planet. Ralph Keeling, a climate science professor and the son of Charles Keeling, the creator of the curve, emphasizes the importance of this data, calling it "our eyes on the planet" and "vital baseline data" for understanding future changes. However, the office in Hilo, Hawaii, that manages this iconic research site is now at risk of closure by August, according to an internal federal document.
The potential shutdown of the Hilo office has sparked concerns about the future of the observatory’s operations. While it is unclear what exactly would happen if the office closes, the uncertainty alone is troubling. The White House has declined to comment on the matter, citing a policy of not responding to reporters who use pronouns in their bios. This lack of clarity adds to the anxiety among scientists and researchers who rely on the data collected at Mauna Loa.
The Threat of Lease Terminations and Cost-Cutting Measures
The Mauna Loa Observatory’s office is just one of many facilities under threat due to a broader cost-cutting initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a program spearheaded by billionaire Elon Musk. A spreadsheet obtained by The New York Times reveals that 30 buildings operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including the Hilo office, are listed for possible lease termination. These closures could begin as early as May. The federal government stands to save approximately $500 million by ending these leases, a figure that, while significant, represents less than 0.1% of the $1.3 trillion allocated to defense in the 2025 fiscal year.
The cost-cutting measures extend beyond NOAA. The General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees federal real estate, briefly posted and then removed a list of 443 federal buildings slated for sale, deeming them "not core to government operations." Among these were at least five child care facilities and several NOAA buildings, including a satellite control room near Washington, D.C., and the National Center for Environmental Information in Asheville, North Carolina. The latter is a critical repository of over a century of climate data. A GSA spokesperson indicated that the list would be republished soon, citing "overwhelming interest" in the proposed sales.
The Broader Impact of Lease Terminations on NOAA Operations
The potential closures and lease terminations have raised alarms among NOAA employees and climate scientists. Nine of the 30 proposed lease terminations are law enforcement offices for NOAA Fisheries, which monitor over four million square miles of ocean along U.S. coastlines. These offices play a vital role in ensuring sustainable seafood harvesting and compliance with marine conservation laws. If the leases are terminated abruptly, staff may lose access to essential facilities and equipment, severely hampering their ability to carry out their mission. Janet Coit, a former assistant administrator at NOAA Fisheries, warns that such disruptions could reduce the effectiveness of NOAA’s operations and leave employees without a stable workspace.
The anxiety caused by these potential closures is compounded by the broader federal shake-up in personnel and funding. NOAA has already faced significant staffing reductions, with 1,300 employees terminated in February and another 1,000 layoffs planned. These cuts could reduce the agency’s workforce by nearly 20%, further straining its ability to perform critical functions.
The Loss of Climate Data Accessibility and Scientific Resources
The impact of these cuts extends beyond physical facilities; it also affects the accessibility of climate data and scientific resources. The National Centers for Environmental Information recently announced that it would discontinue its monthly media briefings on U.S. and global climate data, including temperature and precipitation reports, effective April. This decision follows a significant loss of staff due to layoffs and retirements. John Bateman, a NOAA meteorologist and spokesperson, acknowledged that the center could no longer sustain these briefings following the departure of many employees.
This reduction in climate data accessibility is particularly concerning given the critical role that organizations like NOAA play in understanding and addressing climate change. The Keeling Curve, for example, has proven indispensable in tracking the rise in carbon dioxide levels, which have increased by over 100 parts per million since 1958. In 2024 alone, carbon emissions reached an all-time high, with a record jump in average annual readings. This upward trend has contributed to the warming of the atmosphere, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as heat waves, floods, and wildfires.
The Broader Implications for Climate Science and Government Efficiency
The proposed closures and staffing cuts at NOAA have sparked fears about the long-term implications for climate science and environmental research. Mauna Loa Observatory, the satellite control room, and the National Center for Environmental Information are not just buildings; they are essential components of a global climate monitoring network. Their closure could create gaps in data collection and analysis, undermining efforts to combat climate change.
The cuts are part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to streamline government operations and reduce costs, as outlined in an executive order empowering DOGE to take cost-cutting measures. However, critics argue that these actions may ultimately undermine the government’s ability to fulfill its core responsibilities, particularly in areas as critical as climate science and environmental conservation. While the potential savings from lease terminations and facility sales may seem attractive in the short term, they pale in comparison to the long-term costs of weakening the nation’s climate research infrastructure.
A Call to Preserve Climate Science and Government Accountability
The situation at Mauna Loa Observatory and NOAA serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by climate science in an era of budget cuts and political uncertainty. The data collected at these facilities is not just a numbers game; it is a lifeline for understanding the planet’s health and responding to the existential threat of climate change. As the world grapples with the growing impacts of global warming, it is more important than ever to preserve and strengthen the institutions that track and analyze this data.
The closure of the Hilo office and other NOAA facilities would not only harm the scientists and staff who work there but also diminish the government’s ability to inform the public and make data-driven decisions about climate policy. It is imperative that policymakers carefully weigh the short-term savings of lease terminations against the long-term consequences for climate research and environmental conservation. The planet cannot afford to lose its eyes on the sky.
