Washington: Climate scientist Tom Di Liberto had dreamed of working at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) since college. After more than a decade as a contractor, he finally secured a full-time position nearly two years ago.
Last week, he was among hundreds abruptly fired in a sweeping government purge which, critics warn, will delay hurricane forecasts, cripple climate research and disrupt vital fisheries. Still more workers have accepted deferred resignation “buyouts” offered by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, and even deeper cuts are expected imminently.
“This is the dream job — everything I want to do with my life,” Di Liberto told AFP.
The 40-year-old father of two, who worked on the El Nino-La Nina cycle, was just days short of his two-year anniversary — a milestone that would have protected him from the first round of probationary workers cuts.
“We knew it was coming,” he said. “But it’s never good to get such a dry, cold, callous email saying you were fired because your skills weren´t needed.” A NOAA engineer, requesting anonymity for fear of losing her job, said the cuts were already taking a toll. Half of her satellite forecasting team was laid off because they were probationary, meaning malfunctioning satellites won´t be restored as quickly. “People won’t be evacuated on time from natural disasters,” she said. “They could lose property -- or their lives.” Around 700 NOAA employees — out of a 12,000-strong workforce —have been fired, though the
agency has not confirmed a final number. According to The New York Times, the total, including resignations, could soon reach 20 percent of staff.