On April 28, 2025, the Trump administration announced the termination of nearly 400 contributors to the National Climate Assessment (NCA), a crucial document detailing how climate change impacts the United States and strategies for mitigation. The administration suggested in an email that the report's scope is under review, leaving the future of the NCA shrouded in uncertainty.
In response, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) declared their intent to publish the authors' work as previously planned. This initiative reflects a commitment to safeguarding communities against the escalating threats posed by climate change. "It's our responsibility to ensure our communities, our neighbors, our children are all protected and prepared," stated Brandon Jones, president of AGU, illustrating the urgency behind the scientific community's actions.
The NCA is an extensive evaluation of the latest findings in climate science, representing the collective expertise of researchers focused on realistic solutions to address climate challenges. Although the new publication will not supersede the federal report, it demonstrates a willingness among scientists to ensure vital information is available despite political hurdles.
The White House has yet to respond to inquiries regarding these developments. The notice sent to NCA authors mentioned that the report's scope is being reassessed according to the Global Change Research Act of 1990. This act initiated the U.S. Global Change Research Program, recently subjected to staffing and budget cuts.
As climate issues gain prominence, the resilience of the scientific community in pursuing critical environmental assessments stands as a beacon of hope for future resilience against climate-driven adversities.
In response, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) declared their intent to publish the authors' work as previously planned. This initiative reflects a commitment to safeguarding communities against the escalating threats posed by climate change. "It's our responsibility to ensure our communities, our neighbors, our children are all protected and prepared," stated Brandon Jones, president of AGU, illustrating the urgency behind the scientific community's actions.
The NCA is an extensive evaluation of the latest findings in climate science, representing the collective expertise of researchers focused on realistic solutions to address climate challenges. Although the new publication will not supersede the federal report, it demonstrates a willingness among scientists to ensure vital information is available despite political hurdles.
The White House has yet to respond to inquiries regarding these developments. The notice sent to NCA authors mentioned that the report's scope is being reassessed according to the Global Change Research Act of 1990. This act initiated the U.S. Global Change Research Program, recently subjected to staffing and budget cuts.
As climate issues gain prominence, the resilience of the scientific community in pursuing critical environmental assessments stands as a beacon of hope for future resilience against climate-driven adversities.
