The Trump administration has initiated significant funding and staffing cuts to the federal program responsible for the National Climate Assessment, raising alarms among scientists regarding the continuity of this critical report. Required by Congress, this assessment is intended to be published every four years, analyzing global warming's ramifications on public health, agriculture, energy, and various sectors of the U.S. economy. The last report was published in 2023 and serves as a key resource for state and local governments as well as businesses preparing for climate impacts.
Trump Administration's Funding Cuts Threaten Climate Assessment
Trump Administration's Funding Cuts Threaten Climate Assessment
Trump's recent budget reductions could jeopardize vital climate research crucial for understanding global warming impacts.
The Global Change Research Program, which has been overseeing the assessment since its establishment by Congress in 1990, collaborates with NASA and multiple federal agencies to compile the necessary data. Recently, NASA enacted stop-work orders on contracts with ICF International, which had been providing essential technical support for the program. Initially contracted in 2021 for over $33 million, ICF supplied a significant workforce for the initiative, which is now left in jeopardy due to their termination.
Experts express skepticism about continuing the assessment without ICF's involvement. Donald Wuebbles, a noted atmospheric sciences professor from the University of Illinois, has voiced concerns, citing the Congressional mandate for the assessment's release, yet doubts how it can be accomplished stating, “It’s hard to see how they’re going to put out a National Climate Assessment now.” NASA has stated that the agency is restructuring its contract support to streamline efficiency while still meeting Congress's directives, indicating efforts are underway to maintain the program amidst budget constraints.
Experts express skepticism about continuing the assessment without ICF's involvement. Donald Wuebbles, a noted atmospheric sciences professor from the University of Illinois, has voiced concerns, citing the Congressional mandate for the assessment's release, yet doubts how it can be accomplished stating, “It’s hard to see how they’re going to put out a National Climate Assessment now.” NASA has stated that the agency is restructuring its contract support to streamline efficiency while still meeting Congress's directives, indicating efforts are underway to maintain the program amidst budget constraints.
