Trump’s job cuts risk climate safety in national parks

Last updated Apr 2, 2025

TL/DR –

President Trump’s plans to reduce the federal workforce may lead to thousands of National Park Service employees losing their jobs, which could negatively impact efforts to protect public lands from climate change. After laying off about 1,000 park employees in February, the Trump administration aims to further cut up to 30% of the National Park Service workforce, affecting both public-facing staff and scientists working on climate impact. As national parks encounter more extreme climate conditions such as hotter temperatures, stronger wildfires, and heavier flooding, there are concerns that a lack of trained personnel could result in permanent damage and loss of species.

Major Job Cuts Threaten National Parks and Climate Change Efforts

President Trump’s plan for a federal workforce reduction could cause job losses for thousands of National Park Service employees. This move poses a threat to the preservation of public lands against climate change. Reports indicate this could harm both public-facing staff and climate scientists in the parks.

The Main Points

The Trump administration aims to slash about 30% of the National Park Service’s workforce, having already laid off around 1,000 park employees in February.
Frozen federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law puts at risk projects aimed at restoring ecosystems, eradicating invasive species, and moving wildlife threatened by climate change.
As national parks grapple with escalating temperatures, fierce wildfires, and severe flooding, insufficient trained personnel could cause irreversible damage and species loss.

A Critical Perspective

According to Terri Thomas, a retired natural resources manager, without adequate staffing and their expertise, essential conservation actions may not take place, leading to potential species extinction.

The Implication

National parks serve as vital living labs, illustrating the real-world consequences of accelerating climate change. Park rangers and scientists have evolved into emergency responders, monitoring disappearing snowpack, saving wildlife from heat stress, and combating prolonged, intense fire seasons. However, with decreasing budgets and dwindling staff, many parks are finding it hard to cope. Years of conservation efforts are at the brink of collapse, precisely when these biodiversity refuges and crucial carbon sinks are needed the most in mitigating climate change.

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