Proposed Budget Threatens to End Mauna Loa Observatory’s Climate CO2 Monitoring
A proposed budget from the Trump administration plans to cut funding for the Mauna Loa Observatory, which has been conducting continuous CO2 measurements since 1958. The budget would eliminate the lab’s monitoring efforts, ending the iconic Keeling Curve data series that has tracked rising carbon dioxide levels. The move is part of a broader plan to shift NOAA’s focus from climate research to operational weather forecasting.
The Mauna Loa Observatory, located on the summit of Hawaii’s Mauna Loa volcano, has been a critical site for atmospheric CO2 monitoring since its inception in 1958. The observatory’s measurements, taken at an altitude where air is less affected by local pollution, provide a clear picture of global atmospheric CO2 trends. These data, famously known as the Keeling Curve, have been instrumental in understanding the impact of human activities on climate change.
The Keeling Curve was pioneered by Charles David Keeling, a scientist whose research has had a profound impact on climate science. His son, Ralph Keeling, now oversees the continuation of this vital work at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The observatory’s data collection is currently supported by NOAA, Schmidt Sciences, and Earth Networks, but the proposed budget cuts could jeopardize the continuity of this important record.
According to the budget document submitted by NOAA to Congress, the Trump administration’s plan would eliminate all climate-related research at NOAA, including several labs involved in weather forecasting improvements. This proposal mirrors the goals of Project 2025, a conservative blueprint advocating for a significant overhaul of the federal government. Critics argue that this shift would undermine the United States’ leadership in climate research and potentially harm public understanding of climate change.
The decision to cut funding for the Mauna Loa Observatory has sparked significant concern among scientists and environmental groups. The potential loss of this data series could have long-term implications for climate research and policy-making. Scientists warn that the discontinuity in the record could complicate efforts to track and analyze CO2 trends, which are essential for developing effective climate mitigation strategies.
While the administration has stated that NOAA should focus on operational weather forecasting, many experts believe that climate science and weather forecasting are closely linked. The proposed cuts could weaken the agency’s ability to provide comprehensive climate insights, which are crucial for addressing global environmental challenges. As the debate over the budget continues, the scientific community remains deeply concerned about the potential impact on climate research in the United States.