Features: April 2011

Spirit of Volunteerism

NOAA's mission is to "understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet our nation's economic, social, and environmental needs." This commitment to foster a healthy planet resides within NOAA's people, and thus in the offices, ships, fields, wetlands, and waterways where for 41 years they've conducted their wide range of work. But we wondered what sorts of volunteer activities our colleagues pursue in their free time and of their own accord. We were inspired by their far-reaching efforts to make a difference. We think you will be inspired, too. More...

Every Day is Earth Day at NOAA

On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day was marked by a nationwide "teach-in" on the environment, community demonstrations in favor of environmental reform, and a CBS News special narrated by Walter Cronkite. Six months later, on October 3, 1970, Congress established the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), unifying three of the nation's venerable science agencies—the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, the Weather Bureau, and the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries. As it turns out, not only does much of America's scientific heritage reside within NOAA; in many ways, every day is Earth Day here. More...

Deepwater Horizon: One Year Later

As the nation's experts on oceanic and atmospheric science and the lead science agency for oil spills, NOAA was on the scene of the Deepwater Horizon incident since the earliest moments of the crisis. NOAA scientists used data from satellites, aircraft, ships, buoys, and gliders to collect and provide mission-critical information to guide the emergency response. Today, this support continues with the long-term restoration of the Gulf Coast. More...

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