In brief
In light of the Trump administration's recent dismissal of nearly 400 authors from the National Climate Assessment (NCA), two prominent scientific groups, the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS), have announced their intention to continue the project independently. The administration's decision, conveyed via an email indicating a re-evaluation of the report's scope, has raised concerns over the future of this significant climate report, which is a comprehensive review of climate science that informs the public and policymakers about climate change and its effects on the U.S.
The AGU and AMS's commitment to publish the assessment demonstrates the urgent need for transparency and action in climate science. Brandon Jones, president of AGU, emphasized the responsibility of researchers to safeguard communities against the increasing risks posed by climate change. This initiative aims to unite scientists in delivering necessary climate research, ensuring that critical information regarding adaptation and mitigation is available even in the face of governmental obstacles.The national climate report, mandated by Congress, plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. climate policy. The sixth edition of the NCA was originally expected to be published in early 2028. However, following the Trump administration's staff cuts and funding reductions within the U.S. Global Change Research Program, stakeholders are concerned about the government's priorities regarding climate change.In response to requests for comments, the White House has yet to provide further details on its plans for the climate assessment, and the scientific community is keenly monitoring the situation as they continue to push for a robust and comprehensive evaluation of climate science.
