In April and May 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the decommissioning of several critical environmental databases, including the Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database, the Marine Environmental Buoy Database, and the Global Ocean Currents Database. These closures coincide with significant budget cuts and staffing reductions under the Trump administration, raising concerns about the future of climate research and disaster preparedness in the United States.

The decommissioning of these databases reflects a broader initiative by the Trump administration to reduce federal focus on climate change. Critics argue that these actions hinder public access to essential environmental data, potentially compromising the nation's ability to understand and respond to climate-related challenges.

The Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database documented U.S. weather and climate events resulting in economic losses exceeding $1 billion. In 2024 alone, it recorded 27 such disasters. The Marine Environmental Buoy Database collected real-time oceanic data from a network of buoys, essential for maritime navigation, weather forecasting, and environmental monitoring. The Global Ocean Currents Database provided comprehensive information on ocean currents worldwide, crucial for understanding climate patterns and aiding in search and rescue operations.

The Trump administration proposed a 27% reduction in NOAA's $6.1 billion budget, aiming to eliminate research branches dedicated to improving weather and climate forecasts. Additionally, approximately 880 NOAA employees were terminated, over 7.3% of its total staff, leading to operational challenges such as the suspension of weather balloon launches in certain regions.

Senator Adam Schiff criticized the removal of the Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database as an attempt to obscure the effects of climate change, warning that the absence of this data hampers planning and response efforts for extreme weather events. The Washington Post editorial board condemned the administration's dismantling of climate and disaster preparedness programs, noting that weakening NOAA and FEMA risks public safety amid increasing extreme weather events.

The loss of critical data hampers the ability to predict and respond to extreme weather events, potentially endangering lives and property. The absence of comprehensive environmental data stifles scientific research and innovation in climate science, affecting long-term strategies to combat climate change. Industries reliant on accurate weather and climate data, such as agriculture, fishing, and insurance, may face increased risks and operational challenges.

The decommissioning of key NOAA databases and the associated budget cuts represent a significant shift in federal environmental policy. These actions have far-reaching implications for climate research, disaster preparedness, and public safety, prompting widespread concern and debate among various stakeholders.