Top Scientific Bodies Step Up to Ensure Continuation of National Climate Assessment Post-Trump Dismissals

May 3, 2025
Top Scientific Bodies Step Up to Ensure Continuation of National Climate Assessment Post-Trump Dismissals
  • Both the NCA and the National Nature Assessment aim to synthesize current scientific knowledge on climate and ecological issues, which is critical for guiding public policy and community actions.

  • The AMS and AGU plan to publish their findings across 29 peer-reviewed journals, covering various aspects of climate change in the U.S., to maintain momentum in climate research.

  • Despite setbacks, some scientists are exploring the possibility of publishing the assessment through independent channels, inspired by previous efforts that were canceled by the administration.

  • The Trump administration's actions have significantly altered the development of the sixth edition of the NCA, which is scheduled for release in 2028, as they have indicated a reevaluation of the report's scope.

  • Congress mandates the NCA to provide vital information on climate change impacts in the U.S., including extreme weather events and strategies for adaptation and mitigation.

  • The American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU) have announced plans to produce a national climate assessment following the Trump administration's dismissal of nearly 400 scientists involved in the previous report.

  • This dismissal raised significant concerns among researchers about the integrity and future of the National Climate Assessment (NCA), which is required by law to be updated every four years.

  • Texas Tech University climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe stressed the necessity of summarizing the latest climate science to inform decisions on infrastructure and community planning.

  • This new collection will focus on localized impacts of climate change, differing from global reports by addressing specific regional challenges.

  • AMS President David J. Stensrud emphasized the importance of the NCA as a vital resource for decision-makers, highlighting its role in understanding the economic and societal impacts of climate change.

  • AGU President Brandon Jones noted that the new assessment aims to fill the gap left by the federal government's changes, ensuring the continuation of reliable climate science.

  • Concerns have been raised about the quality and scientific integrity of future reports from the Trump administration, with scientists emphasizing the importance of independent scientific efforts.

Summary based on 9 sources


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