Trump Administration Challenges Key Climate Change Report

Quick Summary

• the Trump governance has dismissed all 400 researchers working on the next installment of the National climate Assessment (NCA), a critical report on climate change impacts in the U.S.
• The NCA, mandated by a 1990 law to be produced every four years, informs government decision-making on climate risks and mitigation strategies.
• Work was underway for the upcoming report due in 2027 but now faces notable delays or potential cancellation.
• Researchers were informed of their dismissal via a brief message from NASA’s Global Change Research Program, stating the assessment’s “scope” is under review.
• Previous reports addressed wide-ranging climate impacts; this one was set to focus more on U.S.responses like emissions reduction and infrastructure adaptation.
• Criticism included concerns about diminished credibility even if the report is completed later with new authors.
• Earlier actions by the Trump administration include canceling contracts for research coordination and widespread cuts across scientific agencies involved.

Image caption: Climate disasters like Colorado’s Marshall fire (destroyed 1,000 homes) illustrate key climate risks. © Jim West/alamy