In a significant move, the Trump administration has dismissed hundreds of scientists working on the National Climate Assessment, jeopardizing the future of a critical report mandated by Congress that outlines the impacts of climate change on the country.
Trump Administration Halts Key Climate Report Team, Future of Assessment Uncertain
Trump Administration Halts Key Climate Report Team, Future of Assessment Uncertain
Dismissal of climate scientists raises concerns about the National Climate Assessment's status and implications for understanding climate change effects.
The Trump administration has abruptly dismissed the team of scientists and researchers that was compiling the National Climate Assessment. This crucial report details how climate change affects various sectors of American life, including public health, agriculture, and the economy. Following the recent communication sent to the contributors, the future of the next assessment, scheduled for 2028, now hangs in the balance, raising concerns among experts.
The National Climate Assessment has been released periodically since 2000, giving a comprehensive overview of how rising planetary temperatures affect different aspects such as heat waves, floods, and energy supply across the U.S. The last report was published in 2023, serving as an essential resource for state and local officials as well as private enterprises preparing for climate-related challenges.
On Monday, contributors to the upcoming assessment received an email announcing the end of their involvement, stating that the report's scope was under review. "We are now releasing all current assessment participants from their roles," the email indicated, mentioning possible future engagement opportunities without specifying details.
Jesse Keenan, a climate adaptation expert at Tulane University, expressed disappointment, stating, "This is as close as it gets to a termination of the assessment. If you get rid of all the people involved, nothing’s moving forward." The mass dismissal raises alarms about the country’s ability to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
The National Climate Assessment has been released periodically since 2000, giving a comprehensive overview of how rising planetary temperatures affect different aspects such as heat waves, floods, and energy supply across the U.S. The last report was published in 2023, serving as an essential resource for state and local officials as well as private enterprises preparing for climate-related challenges.
On Monday, contributors to the upcoming assessment received an email announcing the end of their involvement, stating that the report's scope was under review. "We are now releasing all current assessment participants from their roles," the email indicated, mentioning possible future engagement opportunities without specifying details.
Jesse Keenan, a climate adaptation expert at Tulane University, expressed disappointment, stating, "This is as close as it gets to a termination of the assessment. If you get rid of all the people involved, nothing’s moving forward." The mass dismissal raises alarms about the country’s ability to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
