The Trump administration's recent decision to cut funding and personnel for the National Climate Assessment has sparked significant concern regarding its future amid ongoing climate challenges.
Trump Administration Casts Doubt on Future of National Climate Assessment
Trump Administration Casts Doubt on Future of National Climate Assessment
Funding cuts and staffing reductions for critical climate report raise alarm among scientists.
April 9, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for U.S. climate policy as the Trump administration takes steps to reduce financial and human resources dedicated to the National Climate Assessment (NCA), a vital report mandated by Congress. This assessment evaluates the impacts of climate change on various aspects of the U.S. economy and public health, providing critical information for state, city, and industry planning.
The NCA, which is due for its next iteration in 2027 or 2028, is managed by the Global Change Research Program, established by Congress in 1990. This program, supported by NASA and multiple federal agencies, relies heavily on collaborations with outside scientists. Recently, NASA issued stop-work orders on key contracts with ICF International, a consultancy firm that has been instrumental in providing technical and staffing support to the program.
The unexpected reduction in support has alarmed many in the scientific community. "Without ICF’s involvement, the viability of the National Climate Assessment is in serious doubt," said Donald Wuebbles, an atmospheric sciences professor at the University of Illinois, who has contributed to previous assessments. He emphasized the legal requirement for Congress to mandate the report's completion.
In a response to the cuts, a NASA spokeswoman stated that the agency is "streamlining its contract" to align with administrative directives while still recognizing its obligation to support the congressionally mandated program. She assured that efforts are underway to enhance efficiency across the agencies involved in the assessment.
As debates around climate change intensify, the implications of these funding cuts loom large, raising questions about the federal government’s commitment to addressing climate change and informing the public and policymakers about its impacts.
The NCA, which is due for its next iteration in 2027 or 2028, is managed by the Global Change Research Program, established by Congress in 1990. This program, supported by NASA and multiple federal agencies, relies heavily on collaborations with outside scientists. Recently, NASA issued stop-work orders on key contracts with ICF International, a consultancy firm that has been instrumental in providing technical and staffing support to the program.
The unexpected reduction in support has alarmed many in the scientific community. "Without ICF’s involvement, the viability of the National Climate Assessment is in serious doubt," said Donald Wuebbles, an atmospheric sciences professor at the University of Illinois, who has contributed to previous assessments. He emphasized the legal requirement for Congress to mandate the report's completion.
In a response to the cuts, a NASA spokeswoman stated that the agency is "streamlining its contract" to align with administrative directives while still recognizing its obligation to support the congressionally mandated program. She assured that efforts are underway to enhance efficiency across the agencies involved in the assessment.
As debates around climate change intensify, the implications of these funding cuts loom large, raising questions about the federal government’s commitment to addressing climate change and informing the public and policymakers about its impacts.
