Houston, Texas — As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins, environmental experts and emergency management officials are expressing alarm over the Trump administration’s rollback of climate policies and cuts to disaster preparedness programs. These actions, they argue, could exacerbate the impact of severe storms, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted an above-average hurricane season, predicting up to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes, with 3 to 5 reaching major strength. This marks the tenth consecutive season with above-normal activity, driven by warmer-than-average Atlantic waters and a potentially storm-friendly La Niña-like pattern.
Despite these forecasts, the Trump administration has implemented significant cuts to key federal agencies responsible for disaster response and forecasting, including FEMA and NOAA. Staff reductions, training restrictions, and funding cuts have hampered FEMA’s capacity and led to a departure of experienced personnel, triggering concerns over a “brain drain.” FEMA’s acting chief, David Richardson, lacks disaster management experience, deepening worries. Emergency preparedness and resilience programs have been curtailed, potentially weakening national response capabilities.
Additionally, NOAA has faced severe staff cuts, with over 20% vacancy rates in local weather offices, critical for translating national alerts into local actions. While the National Hurricane Center has remained fully staffed and is incorporating artificial intelligence into forecasts, reductions in weather balloon launches threaten forecast accuracy. FEMA is shifting more responsibilities and costs to states, creating uncertainty, especially for states less equipped financially or structurally.
Experts warn that these changes could compromise disaster response during a historically active hurricane season. Despite reassurances from federal agencies, the cuts raise concerns about the nation’s readiness to handle major storms effectively.
Research indicates that climate change contributes to the intensity of hurricanes, with warmer ocean temperatures fueling more powerful storms. The administration’s actions, such as halting pollution tracking and dismissing climate scientists, are seen as steps backward in addressing these challenges.
“Reducing our capacity to monitor and respond to environmental threats puts communities at greater risk,” said Dr. Laura Simmons, a climate policy analyst.
Advocates call for reinstating environmental protections and increasing investment in infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather events, emphasizing the need for science-based policies to safeguard public health and safety.
