The Mauna Loa Observatory, home to the vital Keeling Curve CO₂ record, faced multiple threats including a volcanic eruption and proposed budget cuts. Following the 2022 eruption, which damaged access roads and power lines, scientists improvised with backup instruments and solar power to maintain the crucial climate data. Despite a federal proposal in early 2025 to cancel the lease on its support office, saving a relatively small amount, NOAA has now confirmed the observatory is funded, accessible again via a reopened road, and undergoing a significant rebuild. AI
RANK_REASON The article details the survival and rebuild of a critical scientific facility after significant physical and political threats, highlighting its importance for climate science. [lever_c_demoted from significant: ic=1 ai=0.1]
- Department of Government Efficiency
- Hawaii
- Keeling Curve
- Mauna Loa
- Mauna Loa Observatory
- NOAA
- Trump administration
- University of Hawaii
- Vanda Grubisic
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