Trump Administration Dismisses 400 Contributors to National Climate Assessment

The Trump administration has officially disbanded all 400 authors of the National Climate Assessment (NCA), a critical document that has provided insights into the effects of climate change on American life since its inception. This development comes as the authors were engaged in the preparation of the upcoming 2028 assessment when they received notification of their release this past Monday. The email indicated a reevaluation of the report’s scope, coinciding with a statement on the NCA’s web page that noted a review of the operations and structure of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP).

The NCA, published every four to five years since 2000, serves as an essential resource for various stakeholders, including legislators, military officials, emergency managers, agricultural producers, and private enterprises. The most recent edition, the Fifth National Climate Assessment, was released in November 2023 and documented the growing impacts of extreme weather events, wildfires, and other climate-related phenomena on everyday life. The report not only highlighted these issues but also proposed potential solutions to mitigate the challenges posed by climate change.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration had already taken steps to reduce funding for the USGCRP, the very body responsible for overseeing the NCA’s production. In a further move, NASA terminated its consulting agreement with a firm that played a pivotal role in coordinating the work of the 15 federal agencies contributing to the assessment. Author training sessions were also abruptly canceled, signaling a significant shift in the administration’s approach to climate science and research.

In the wake of these developments, the scientific community has expressed grave concerns. Researchers have emphasized the importance of the NCA, stating that its absence undermines the understanding and preparedness required to face the escalating threats posed by climate change. Experts have drawn comparisons to driving a vehicle with a dirty windshield, suggesting that without the insights provided by the NCA, it becomes difficult to identify risks until they manifest as significant disasters.

This disbandment not only disrupts a vital source of climate information but also raises questions about the future direction of climate research and policy within the United States. The potential consequences of this development could be far-reaching, affecting both current and future efforts to combat climate change effectively. As the dialogue around climate action progresses, the implications of eliminating such a foundational report and its authors will undoubtedly be a focus of scrutiny.