Weather Science in Peril: A Risky Move by the Trump Administration
The Trump administration has sparked concern among scientists and officials by planning to break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a key institution for weather, wildfire, and climate science. This decision comes amid tensions between President Donald Trump and Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
The Announcement
The Office of Management and Budget Director, Russell Vought, announced the move on the social media platform X, stating that the National Science Foundation will "break up" NCAR, which he described as a major source of "climate alarmism."
Concerns from Scientists and Officials
Scientists warn that dismantling NCAR could put Americans at risk, not just those who might lose their jobs in Colorado.
- California's Natural Resources Secretary, Wade Crowfoot, expressed alarm, stating that attacks on science directly impact the safety of Americans.
- The timing is critical, as California faces extreme weather events, including an approaching atmospheric river storm and the anniversary of devastating wildfires.
The Role of NCAR
The NCAR, managed by a nonprofit consortium of 120 colleges and universities, provides essential tools and expertise for understanding and predicting wildfires, storms, floods, and droughts. Losing this institution could hinder the nation's ability to respond to extreme weather events, according to state climatologist Michael Anderson.
Expert Reactions
- Jennifer Balch, a prominent fire scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder, warned that gutting NCAR would increase the risk of wildfires and property damage. She highlighted the interconnectedness of weather science and climate research, emphasizing that cuts to one would harm the other.
- Craig Clements, chair of the Department of Meteorology and Climate Science at San José State University, expressed shock at the proposal, stating that dismantling NCAR would devastate atmospheric science research worldwide. He also noted that the next generation of scientists would lose vital training opportunities.
Political Criticism
- Governor Gavin Newsom's office called the research at NCAR "life-saving" and criticized the Trump administration for targeting the center to benefit Big Oil.
- Crowfoot added that the move is part of a pattern of the Trump administration attacking science that keeps Californians safe.
Previous Cuts and Future Implications
The decision to dismantle NCAR follows previous cuts to federal funding for the California Nevada River Forecast Center, which provides critical data for emergency storm and flood efforts. Crowfoot warned that the loss of NCAR would force universities and others to scramble to maintain data, tools, and expertise.
