The Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, a leading institution dedicated to climate science for over 50 years. This decision marks a significant shift in the U.S. government’s approach to climate research and has raised alarms among many scientists and climate advocates.
The announcement came via social media from Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, who described NCAR as “one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country.” This characterisation has been met with criticism, as many researchers at NCAR have contributed significantly to understanding climate change through rigorous scientific methodologies.
Critics argue that the dismantling of NCAR is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to suppress climate science and promote fossil fuel interests. The term “climate Lysenkoism” has been used to describe this trend, drawing a parallel to the Soviet policies under Joseph Stalin, which marginalized opposing scientific viewpoints and led to devastating consequences in agriculture and health.
Consequences for Climate Research
The implications of closing NCAR extend beyond academic circles. The absence of a leading research institution could hinder advancements in understanding climate change, potentially leading to serious repercussions for both the U.S. and global communities. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and rising sea levels, experts warn that the lack of support for climate research could result in millions of lives being impacted.
The decision follows a series of efforts by the Trump administration to cut funding for government institutions involved in climate research. Earlier this year, a budget proposal was unveiled that sought to eliminate financial support for most federal laboratories conducting climate-related work. While Congress rejected many of these cuts, the administration is expected to attempt similar measures in the future.
At the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union in New Orleans, the impact of these policies was evident. Attendance from climate scientists has noticeably decreased, largely due to job losses and budget constraints affecting federally funded researchers. This shrinking pool of experts raises concerns about the future of climate science in the United States.
Debunking Misleading Reports
Adding to the controversy, the Department of Energy recently published a report that attempted to present a revisionist view of established climate science. The document, titled “A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the US Climate,” was commissioned by Chris Wright, the former head of Liberty Energy, who was appointed by Trump as energy secretary. This report was criticized by over 85 climate scientists for containing numerous errors and misrepresentations.
In September, the highly respected National Academy of Sciences released its own assessment, confirming that “the evidence for current and future harm to human health and welfare created by human-caused GHGs [greenhouse gases] is beyond scientific dispute.” This authoritative conclusion starkly contradicts the claims made in the Department of Energy report and highlights the ongoing struggle between scientific facts and political narratives.
Despite these challenges, the scientific community remains committed to uncovering the truth about climate change. It is anticipated that the Environmental Protection Agency will reconsider its approach regarding the reversal of the so-called endangerment finding, which mandates regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. The pushback from the scientific community could be pivotal in shaping future climate policy.
The actions of the Trump administration have raised concerns about the integrity of climate research and the dissemination of accurate scientific information. As the situation develops, many in the scientific community fear that the campaign against researchers may continue, ultimately undermining the understanding of climate change and its global impacts.
