NOAA released their budget estimate for FY 2026. Someone in our org ran it by copilot to summarize the impacts:

* NOAA eliminates most climate, weather, and ocean labs and grants, causing major layoffs and loss of research capacity.

* National climate research infrastructure is lost, with staff reductions.

* Regional climate services, adaptation, and heat health programs end.

* All climate research grants are cut.

* Foundational ocean observation and Great Lakes research are terminated.

* Sea Grant support for coastal resilience and aquaculture ends.

* Aquaculture research and ocean science partnerships are stopped.

* Funding for uncrewed systems R&D is eliminated.

* Research computing for climate/ocean modeling is reduced or lost.

* Many programs shift to operational focus (NOS/NWS), with layoffs in OAR.

* Regional ocean observing systems and applied coastal research are ended, with grant losses and layoffs.

* State coastal management, resilience, and estuarine reserve grants are terminated.

* Support for coral reef grants and marine sanctuaries is reduced; no new sanctuaries.

* Species/habitat research, salmon recovery, and habitat restoration programs are cut, with major layoffs.

* Satellite/data services are reduced, with staff cuts.

* NOAA Office of Education is closed; mission support staff reduced.

* Overall, there is a major workforce reduction and elimination of many programs.

But look on the bright side: a relative handful of ultra-wealthy will pay slightly less in taxes. That’s got to count as positive news for them!

It just occurred to me that SEAMAP will be* gone, and I didn't notice because the people looking ahead at these sorts of things while I kept my head down and worked were all fired. I will need a new job.

* I say will be, because it was already cut down to size last spring.

Speed-running global warming with our eyes closed. Fun.