WASHINGTON (AP) — In response to the Trump administration’s dismissal of scientists working on a key federal report on climate change impacts in the United States, two major scientific societies announced on Friday their plan to step in and continue the work. The American Meteorological Society and the American Geophysical Union have joined forces to produce peer-reviewed research addressing the current and future national effects of climate change. This initiative comes as the validity of a science-based report mandated by law is cast into doubt and under review by President Donald Trump’s White House.
The administration recently informed approximately 400 scientists involved in the National Climate Assessment that their services were no longer required and that the report was being reevaluated. This report, issued every four to five years as mandated by a federal law dating back to 1990, was expected to be published around 2027. Preliminary budget proposals indicate potential cuts in funding or the elimination of offices responsible for coordinating the report, according to scientists and activists.
AGU President Brandon Jones stated, “We are stepping in to bridge the scientific gap left by this pause in the process. This is crucial for maintaining the continuity of scientific research.” Anjuli Bamzi, a former president of the Meteorological Society and a retired federal atmospheric scientist with experience in past National Climate Assessments, emphasized the significance of the report’s projections for the next 25 to 100 years.
Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe from Texas Tech University and The Nature Conservancy, who has contributed to previous reports, highlighted the importance of making the latest scientific findings accessible to the public. She emphasized the need for communities to understand the current and future impacts of climate change in order to prepare and adapt effectively.
Unlike global reports from the United Nations, the national climate assessment focuses on weather changes at regional and local levels within the country. The collaboration between the two scientific societies aims to complete their version of the assessment within a year.
The most recent climate assessment report in 2023 warned of the negative consequences of climate change on health, well-being, and economic growth in the United States. Concerns have been raised by scientists, including Donald Wuebbles from the University of Illinois, regarding the quality and accuracy of future reports under the current administration.
According to The Associated Press, diluting or halting the national assessment will not prevent the message on the significance of climate change from being heard, as stated by Wuebbles. The efforts of scientific societies to address this gap will hold value as a representation of the scientific community’s stance. Ultimately, science relies on data and observations. “We acknowledge this issue as highly critical, with human activities being the driving force. Hence, the question arises – what actions should be taken?” Wuebbles questioned. Hayhoe emphasized that storms and wildfires do not differentiate between political affiliations. “Climate change impacts everyone,” Hayhoe stressed. “It transcends political boundaries.”___The Associated Press’ climate and environmental reporting is financially supported by various private foundations. The AP is solely accountable for the content. For more information on AP’s guidelines for collaborating with philanthropic organizations, as well as a list of sponsors and coverage areas funded, visit AP.org.
