Dismissal of Climate Scientists Raises Concerns Over National Climate Assessment

In a stunning move, the Trump administration has terminated the participation of hundreds of experts in the National Climate Assessment, raising fears about the report's future and its implications for climate preparedness in the U.S.

The Trump administration has taken the controversial step of terminating the roles of hundreds of scientists and experts involved in the National Climate Assessment, raising significant concerns about the report’s viability. This federal report, vital for understanding the impacts of global warming on various aspects of American life, is mandated by Congress and has been released periodically since 2000.

The National Climate Assessment provides a comprehensive overview of how climate change affects public health, agriculture, water supplies, energy production, and more. Its significance has grown, especially following the last update in 2023, which serves as an essential resource for states and private entities preparing for climate-related challenges like heat waves and flooding.

Researchers received an unexpected notification on Monday, stating that the scope of the upcoming sixth National Climate Assessment, scheduled for early 2028, is under reevaluation, resulting in the dismissal of all current contributors. The email concluded, "We are now releasing all current assessment participants from their roles," which suggests a potentially devastating halt to ongoing climate research efforts.

Experts have described this action as effectively a termination of the next report. Jesse Keenan, a Tulane University professor involved in the previous assessment, noted, “If you get rid of all the people involved, nothing’s moving forward.” This dismissal not only disrupts the expected timeline for the report but also raises alarms about the government's commitment to basing climate policies on science and comprehensive data.