National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an American scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere. NOAA warns of dangerous weather, charts seas, guides the use and protection of ocean and coastal resources, and conducts research to provide understanding and improve stewardship of the environment.

History

NOAA was officially formed on October 3, 1970, by the Nixon Administration through the Reorganization Plan No. 4 and was designed to serve a distinct yet wide-ranging environmental science agenda. Its formation consolidated the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (founded in 1807), the Weather Bureau (founded in 1870), and the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries (founded in 1871) into a single entity.

Mission and Organization

The mission of NOAA is "to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources." NOAA's work ranges from daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration, and supporting marine commerce. NOAA’s reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as it works to keep the public informed of the changing environment around them.

NOAA is divided into several units that reflect its wide range of responsibilities:

• National Weather Service (NWS) - provides weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings.
• National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - responsible for the stewardship of the nation's ocean resources and their habitat.
• National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) - operates the nation's system of environmental satellites.
• Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) - conducts research to understand and improve our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans.
• National Ocean Service (NOS) - provides data, tools, and services that support coastal economies and their contribution to the national economy.

Programs and Initiatives

NOAA oversees a wide array of programs and initiatives aimed at understanding the planet and improving the lives of its inhabitants. These include, but are not limited to, the National Sea Grant College Program, the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, and the Coral Reef Conservation Program. Additionally, NOAA operates the National Hurricane Center and the National Climatic Data Center, which are crucial for disaster preparedness and climate research, respectively.

Impact

NOAA plays a critical role in environmental stewardship, scientific research, and providing valuable information that affects millions of people around the globe. Its efforts in weather forecasting, climate change research, ocean conservation, and support for marine commerce are vital for public safety, economic health, and environmental sustainability.

Challenges

As an agency at the forefront of environmental science, NOAA faces numerous challenges, including climate change, rising sea levels, and the preservation of marine biodiversity. The agency's work in research, monitoring, and policy-making is critical in addressing these issues.