Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency Considers Shutting Down Support Office for Crucial Climate Science Experiment
A small office in Hilo, Hawaii, that supports a landmark climate science experiment faces potential closure under scrutiny from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The experiment, a 67-year-long endeavor to track atmospheric conditions, particularly carbon dioxide levels, has provided critical insights into climate change.
Suite 102 at the Kilauea Financial Plaza in Hilo is home to just eight National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) staff members. These individuals play a vital role in maintaining the Mauna Loa Observatory, perched high on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano. The observatory, owned by NOAA, houses delicate scientific instruments that require regular maintenance and monitoring. Due to a 2022 volcanic eruption that rendered the road impassable, accessing the observatory necessitates a weekly helicopter ride for the NOAA team.
The Mauna Loa Observatory is renowned for its long-term tracking of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. The data collected there provided the earliest and most compelling evidence of rising CO2 levels, a key indicator of global warming. The continuous measurements taken at Mauna Loa have become a cornerstone of climate science, offering an unparalleled record of the Earth’s changing atmosphere.
However, the future of this critical research is now uncertain. The Hilo office, which provides essential support for the observatory, has appeared on a list of planned office closures as part of DOGE’s efforts to reduce federal spending. The DOGE website lists a lease for a NOAA office in Hilo, Hawaii, with a potential savings of $164,391 if terminated. While USA TODAY could not independently confirm that this is the specific office in question, it is the only NOAA office listed in Hilo.
The closure of the Hilo office raises serious concerns about the continued operation of the Mauna Loa Observatory. While the observatory itself would remain intact, the absence of the support staff could severely hamper its functionality. Ralph Keeling, director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography CO2 Program, which co-runs the project with NOAA, emphasized the critical role of the Hilo-based staff. "The observatory needs staff and the staff are based in Hilo," he stated, highlighting the logistical challenges of maintaining the observatory without a local support base.
The situation remains unclear, with the General Services Administration (GSA) acknowledging the review process. GSA spokesperson Stephanie Joseph stated that the agency is working with NOAA and other federal agencies to balance agency needs with cost-saving measures. She added that leases could be continued if deemed necessary by the agency.
For now, operations at the Mauna Loa Observatory are continuing without interruption, according to NOAA staffer Theo Stein. However, the potential loss of the Hilo office casts a shadow over the future of this vital climate monitoring program.
The Mauna Loa Observatory’s unique location at 11,135 feet above sea level on the north flank of the Mauna Loa volcano makes it an ideal site for atmospheric measurements. Situated in the troposphere, the observatory benefits from undisturbed air, a remote location, and minimal influence from vegetation and human activity. These conditions ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data collected.
The collaboration between NOAA and Scripps Institution of Oceanography at Mauna Loa is particularly valuable, providing redundancy and validation of measurements. "Having both NOAA and Scripps measurements on the site is really valuable," said Keeling. "You only get one chance to measure things and if you dont get it right, you miss it. If one program has a problem, for whatever reason, its good to have a second program."
While Scripps maintains its own equipment at the observatory, NOAA staff are responsible for the actual maintenance of the apparatus. "We depend on their staff for the actual maintenance of the apparatus," Keeling explained, underscoring the interdependence of the two organizations.
In addition to the primary site on Mauna Loa, a secondary testing site on Mauna Kea, another volcano about 35 miles north, also relies on NOAA staff for equipment maintenance. The potential loss of the Hilo-based support staff raises concerns about the continuity of data collection at both sites.
When asked about the potential impact of losing the Hilo office on the decades-long data gathering, Keeling acknowledged the uncertainty. "I don’t think anyone knows what it means," he said. He noted that the project has faced threats before, including budget cuts in 1964 that suspended operations for several months and financial difficulties in 2014. Eruptions at Mauna Loa in 1984 and 2022 also caused temporary disruptions due to power outages.
The Mauna Loa Observatory began its continuous CO2 measurements in 1958, building upon the work of Charles David Keeling, who established the testing station. Keeling’s measurements revealed the Earth’s yearly "breathing" pattern, as plants absorb CO2 in the summer and release it in the winter. More importantly, he discovered the rising concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, a phenomenon now known as the Keeling Curve.
The Keeling Curve is a visual representation of the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere, demonstrating the impact of human activities on the global climate. CO2 is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for warming, and its increasing concentration is driving climate change.
Before the Industrial Revolution, CO2 levels were around 280 parts per million (ppm). When Keeling began testing, levels were at 313 ppm at Mauna Loa. Today, they stand at 427 ppm, a significant increase that highlights the urgency of addressing climate change.
Ralph Keeling, son of Charles David Keeling, now leads the Scripps CO2 Program, continuing his father’s legacy. He emphasizes the importance of the ongoing measurements at Mauna Loa, describing them as being on the "cutting edge of discovering what we’re doing to the planet."
The potential closure of the Hilo office underscores the challenges of balancing cost-cutting measures with the need to support critical scientific research. The Mauna Loa Observatory’s long-term data is invaluable for understanding climate change and informing policy decisions. The decision regarding the Hilo office will have significant implications for the future of this vital climate monitoring program. The scientific community and concerned citizens alike will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds. The potential loss of such a crucial piece of climate science infrastructure raises questions about the priorities of the Department of Government Efficiency and its approach to addressing the climate crisis.
