The Trump administration instructed U.S. government scientists engaged in preparing a crucial global climate report to halt their efforts, as reported by a scientist involved in the project. This latest move reflects the U.S.’s retreat from global climate action and research initiatives. The United States had played a significant role in the planning of the upcoming report scheduled for release in 2029 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading authoritative body on climate change globally. The IPCC evaluates the impact of the climate crisis on the planet based on the most recent scientific findings. The production of IPCC reports involves the collective effort of thousands of scientists over several years and serves as a key resource for policymakers worldwide, informing them of the dangers posed by global warming. Essentially, the foundation of current accepted knowledge on climate change is rooted in the IPCC and its reports, with the initial publication dating back to 1990.
An international gathering of IPCC authors set to convene in China the following week now hangs in uncertainty. Kate Calvin, NASA’s principal scientist and senior climate advisor, was slated to co-chair the meeting but was affected by the directive to cease work, as noted by the scientist associated with the report. The purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on the next steps in the report’s development.
NASA confirmed, “Dr. Calvin will not be attending this meeting” when responding to inquiries. Despite CNN’s request for an interview with Calvin, NASA declined. The individual familiar with the report expressed uncertainty regarding the implications for future work or the potential participation of U.S. scientists in the drafting of IPCC reports.
“The IPCC is the cornerstone of global climate science, furnishing the world with impartial, evidence-based insights essential for addressing the climate crisis,” remarked Harjeet Singh, a climate advocate and founding director of Satat Sampada Climate Foundation. He conveyed to CNN in a statement, “The decision to exclude U.S. scientists significantly undermines this collaborative endeavor and jeopardizes the process at a critical juncture where decisive climate action is imperative.”
On his inaugural day in office this year, President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, a pivotal international treaty on climate change where nearly 200 countries pledged to cooperate to curb global warming. This action mirrors a similar move made by Trump during his first term. CNN has sought comments from the White House and the IPCC. To access more CNN news and newsletters, register an account on CNN.com.
