Private Organizations Rise to Fill the Science Gap Left by Trump Administration Cuts

Following the rejection of numerous authors by the Trump administration for the upcoming national climate assessment, two scientific organizations have embarked on initiatives to publish special collections of climate change research.

Earlier this week, researchers were informed that their contributions would no longer be needed for the national climate assessment.

The future of this assessment is uncertain, and some authors have voiced concerns that its integrity is compromised, lacking scientific rigor or the ability to adequately convey the risks associated with climate change.

Robert Kopp, a professor of Earth and Planetary Science at Rutgers University and one of the authors affected by the recent decisions regarding the National Climate Assessment, commented:

In response to the administration’s actions, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) announced on Friday their plans to curate a special collection focused on climate research, as stated in press releases from both organizations.

As per the news release, this collection will span over 20 peer-reviewed journals and aims to “sustain momentum” in the work relevant to the National Climate Assessment, in light of the author and staff rejections.

AGU President Brandon Jones noted in a statement that this special collection is not meant to serve as an “alternative” to the national climate assessment but represents “a unique opportunity to publish new research and reviews that could support climate assessments focused on the U.S.”

The White House has not commented on the rationale behind the rejection of National Climate Assessment authors or the administration’s plans moving forward.

The 1990 Global Change Research Act mandates the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) to submit reports to the President and Congress every four years, with national climate assessments previously satisfying this obligation. These reports summarize the best available science on climate change physics, its effects on the U.S., and societal adaptations. They also include localized climate forecasts for various regions to inform the public about community risks.

The latest assessment, published in 2023, comprised around 2,200 pages across 37 chapters. It highlighted that the lower 48 states have experienced an average warming of 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970, alongside increasingly severe weather events and costly disasters.

“If you’re a state official, business leader, or a member of the public looking to understand the impacts of climate change on the economy, coastal areas, or human health,” Kopp stated:

The National Climate Assessment is a culmination of the efforts of hundreds of researchers volunteering their time, although it is organized by USGCRP staff. In April, the White House ceased funding for this organization.

“I have no insight into the plan; I don’t think anyone does,” Kopp remarked. “They have let go of all the authors and staff of the Global Change Research Program, leaving some government positions currently unfilled.”

The USGCRP website currently states, “We are reviewing the operation and structure of USGCRP.”

Kopp mentioned that the authors of the National Climate Assessment had dedicated about a year to summarizing the chapters intended for their 2027 report and evaluating relevant themes. This summary has already been submitted for review to the federal agency, and the authors are now considering how best to proceed with it.

“We cannot replicate the NCA unless there is an organization prepared to take charge and staff up,” Kopp concluded.