WASHINGTON (AP) — The mandated U.S. national climate assessments have seemingly vanished from federal websites, creating challenges for state and local governments as well as the public seeking information on the impacts of a warming world in their communities. Experts emphasize that these authoritative reports, which are peer-reviewed, are crucial for saving both money and lives. The websites for the national assessments and the U.S. Global Change Research Program were inaccessible on Monday and Tuesday, without any links or references directing visitors elsewhere. The White House, responsible for managing the assessments, stated that the information will now be hosted by NASA in compliance with the law but did not provide further details. Despite efforts to search for the assessments on NASA’s websites, they could not be located, and NASA did not respond to requests for information. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which coordinated the information in the assessments, also did not respond to inquiries.
University of Arizona climate scientist Kathy Jacobs, who led the 2014 version of the report, emphasized the importance of decision makers having access to the science contained in the National Climate Assessment, which is considered the most reliable and well-reviewed source of climate information in the U.S. Jacobs expressed concern over the potential consequences of the assessments no longer being available, stating that it could lead to individuals being more vulnerable to climate-related impacts due to limited access to essential information.
Former President Obama’s science advisor, Harvard climate scientist John Holdren, highlighted the value of the National Climate Assessment, citing its instrumental role in helping officials at various levels of government make informed decisions to mitigate climate risks. The current unavailability of the assessments has raised alarm within the scientific community, with Texas Tech climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe pointing out that the reports serve as a critical resource for preparation and response to climate change.
Although previous reports are still archived in NOAA’s library, the latest report from 2023, which included an interactive county-level atlas, is currently inaccessible. The 1990 Global Change Research Act mandates a national climate assessment every four years and calls for the establishment of a United States Global Change Research Program. The Trump administration’s decision to discontinue the involvement of volunteer authors and terminate the contract with the coordinating firm has disrupted the dissemination of vital climate information. Additionally, changes to NOAA’s climate website and reductions in climate-related content on social media and blogs at NOAA and NASA have further limited public access to crucial climate data.
Former science advisor John Holdren emphasized the concerning implications of the lack of access to these reports, describing it as part of a broader troubling trend in undermining the dissemination of important scientific information.
According to Hayhoe and Jacobs, national assessments of science infrastructure are deemed more valuable than the periodic international climate reports issued by the United Nations. This is because the national assessments offer a more localized and detailed perspective. The credibility of these national reports is ensured through peer review by fellow scientists as well as scrutiny for accuracy by reputable bodies such as the National Academy of Sciences, federal agencies, and the general public. Jacobs emphasized that concealing these reports would equate to suppressing the advancement of science, while Hayhoe warned of the perils this poses for the nation. She likened this situation to driving a car along a winding road solely relying on the rearview mirror, emphasizing the urgent need to look forward to safely navigate the upcoming challenges. The Associated Press writer Will Weissert contributed to this report. The climate and environmental coverage by The Associated Press is supported by various private foundations, and AP holds full responsibility for all content. Further information on AP’s standards for collaboration with philanthropic organizations, a list of supporters, and the areas covered by funded projects can be found at AP.org.
