Scientific Groups Rally to Publish Climate Assessment Despite Administrative Changes

Following the dismissal of nearly 400 authors from the National Climate Assessment by the Trump administration, two prominent scientific organizations are moving forward to publish the assessment independently, emphasizing the need to address climate change risks.

In a significant move for climate advocacy, two major scientific organizations in the U.S. have pledged to proceed with publishing the National Climate Assessment despite the Trump administration's controversial decision to dismiss nearly 400 authors associated with the report. Announced last week, this dismissal has left the future of this crucial climate document in uncertainty as the administration stated it was reviewing the report's scope.

The American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society expressed their commitment to ensure that critical scientific work continues in the face of administrative challenges. “It’s incumbent on us to ensure our communities, our neighbors, our children are all protected and prepared for the mounting risks of climate change,” stated Brandon Jones, president of the American Geophysical Union. The assessment has been a backbone in researching the impacts of climate change on the United States and is essential for formulating effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Typically published every few years, the National Climate Assessment is a thorough analysis of the latest climate science, with its sixth installment (NCA6) originally scheduled for publication in early 2028. The organizations emphasized that their new initiative would complement, not replace, the federal report mandated by Congress, pledging a collaborative approach to bring together diverse researchers to address climate concerns.

In a recent email addressing the authors, the Trump administration cited a need to reevaluate the report under the Global Change Research Act of 1990, an act that established the U.S. Global Change Research Program. However, the administration has faced criticism for staff and funding cuts in this vital area of research.

Despite the White House's silence following the dismissal and the initiative by the scientific community, the commitment to advancing climate research and communication remains strong. The collective action of these organizations highlights the importance of ongoing dialogue and the dissemination of scientific knowledge relevant to the ever-pressing challenges of climate change.