NASA has begun the deduction of employees, including the dismissal of the chief scientist Catherine Calvin, which is part of the widespread government functions weakening climate research.
The US Space Agency announced on Tuesday that Calvin and several other employees were allowed to go. According to the AFP, these trimmeds align with policy changes under the administration of President Donald Trump, which aims to bring back climate research.
Workforce adaptation and department closed
The agency spokesman Cheryl Warner said, “To customize our workforce and follow government instructions, NASA is implementing a phased decrease in employees.”
Warner said, “A small number of individuals were reported on March 10 of their employment ending. Those characters had the option to take early retirement or encounter dismissal,” said Warner.
The first round of pruning affects only 23 employees, but the AFP reports that additional cuts are expected. NASA will also eliminate its office, policy and strategy as well as the office of diversity, equity, inclusion and access.
Unlike other federal agencies, NASA has so far avoided the major workforce cuts. However, the AFP suggests that NASA Administrator Jred Isaqman, appointed by Trump, may have intervened to delay the reduction of employees.
Changes in priorities towards space exploration
The latest wave of trimming may indicate a change in NASA’s attention from climate research to space exploration. Trump and his advisor, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, both have strongly advocated Mars for human missions.
NASA plays an important role in climate research, conducts a fleet of the earth-dancing satellites, conducts air and ground-based studies, develops advanced climate models, and provides the necessary data to scientists and public.
Trump has repeatedly dismissed climate change as “deception” and ordered the second time to return to the US from the Paris Climate Agreement when assuming office.
