The Trump administration's decision to reduce funding and staff for the National Climate Assessment has left scientists concerned about the ability to produce the critical report, required by Congress, which assesses the effects of climate change across various sectors in the U.S.
**Trump Administration Faces Scrutiny for Reductions in Climate Assessment Resources**
**Trump Administration Faces Scrutiny for Reductions in Climate Assessment Resources**
Recent cuts to the National Climate Assessment raise alarms about future reporting on climate change impacts.
The Trump administration has announced significant cuts to funding and personnel within the organization responsible for the National Climate Assessment (NCA), a vital document mandated by Congress that details how climate change impacts various aspects of American life. This action has triggered alarm among scientists who fear the thoroughness and integrity of future assessments may be compromised.
The NCA is a crucial report that analyzes the impact of climate change on human health, agriculture, energy production, water resources, and other sectors of the U.S. economy. The next iteration is scheduled for release in 2027 or 2028, following the last assessment published in 2023, which provided essential data to municipalities and private enterprises in preparing for climate-related challenges.
The Global Change Research Program, the federal initiative responsible for overseeing the NCA, was established in 1990 and is supported by NASA along with 14 other federal agencies, the Smithsonian Institution, and numerous external scientists. However, recent orders from NASA have halted contracts with ICF International, a consulting firm crucial for providing technical and staffing support for the program. This move, according to experts, raises pressing questions about how the NCA can proceed without necessary resources.
Donald Wuebbles, a professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Illinois involved with past climate assessments, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of producing a new NCA under these constraints, despite the congressional mandate for the report's continuation. In response to inquiries, a NASA spokesperson stated that the agency is streamlining its contract services to align with President Trump’s executive orders while committing to maintaining efficiency across the supporting agencies and advisory committees.
This situation brings to the forefront ongoing debates regarding federal support for climate science and monitoring as concerns about climate change intensify globally, highlighting the need for sustained funding and collaboration among various entities.
