Former government scientists have expressed outrage as President Donald Trump’s administration dismantles a major climate tracking website. The U.S. Global Change Research Program’s site, which hosted vital climate change reports and resources, has been taken offline, according to a NASA spokesperson. This development was reported by ABC News on Tuesday evening.
The website previously housed all five editions of the National Climate Assessment, a crucial resource for understanding human-amplified climate change’s impact on the United States. The site’s removal follows the administration’s April announcement to cancel all research for the program and terminate researchers working on the sixth edition, scheduled for 2028. This decision contradicts congressional appropriations mandating the program’s continuation.
Background on the Climate Program’s Importance
The U.S. Global Change Research Program has been instrumental in providing comprehensive climate data and assessments. These reports are often cited by policymakers, researchers, and environmental advocates to inform decisions and raise awareness about climate change’s effects. The National Climate Assessment, in particular, has served as a critical tool in understanding regional climate impacts and guiding mitigation strategies.
Despite the program’s significance, the Trump administration has increasingly asserted its authority to withhold funds from programs it opposes, a move that challenges the 1974 Impoundment Control Act. This act was designed to prevent the executive branch from unilaterally withholding funds allocated by Congress.
Reactions from the Scientific Community
The dismantling of the climate program has alarmed scientists who have previously worked for the federal government. Haley Crim, a former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration climate staffer, voiced her concerns, stating,
“The National Climate Assessment, and all special reports and past assessments, are now offline. Federal climate science is being systematically erased.”
Crim emphasized that while the administration isn’t overtly censoring all climate resources, the situation is a result of “expired contracts, decisions about individual products, lack of staffing and resources, and refusal to protect climate information.”
Meanwhile, Zach Labe, another NOAA climate scientist, took to social media platform Bluesky to express his frustration, posting,
“Every day is a trainwreck for climate science. Stay aware of what is happening, and speak out!”
Efforts to Preserve Scientific Data
Anticipating potential purges of federal websites, many experts began privately archiving at-risk content earlier this year. These efforts have focused on preserving information related to climate science, LGBTQ issues, AIDS prevention, and minority inclusion, among other topics.
The proactive archiving reflects a broader concern within the scientific community about the preservation of data crucial for public knowledge and policy development. The fear of losing access to essential information has galvanized researchers and advocates to safeguard these resources against political interference.
Implications and Future Outlook
The removal of the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s website represents a significant setback for climate science in the United States. As previous reports are now to be hosted directly by NASA, questions remain about the accessibility and integrity of the data.
The move also highlights broader tensions between the Trump administration and the scientific community, particularly regarding climate change and environmental policy. As the administration continues to challenge established norms and regulations, the scientific community remains vigilant in its efforts to protect and disseminate critical information.
Looking ahead, the dismantling of the climate program underscores the need for continued advocacy and awareness. Scientists and environmentalists are likely to intensify their efforts to preserve scientific data and promote informed decision-making in the face of political challenges.
As the situation unfolds, the scientific community’s response will be crucial in shaping the future of climate research and policy in the United States. The ongoing dialogue between scientists, policymakers, and the public will play a pivotal role in determining the direction of climate action and environmental stewardship.
