Read on cbsnews.comTrump Administration Moves to Dismantle Leading Climate Research Center
The Trump administration has announced plans to break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, citing concerns over 'climate alarmism.' This move, directed by the White House Office of Management and Budget, would dismantle a federally funded institution established in 1960 that is crucial for weather prediction and climate science. Officials and scientists warn the action threatens public safety, scientific advancement, and the nation's competitive edge in research.
The Trump administration has initiated a controversial plan to dismantle a cornerstone of American atmospheric science. Citing a desire to curb what it labels "climate alarmism," the White House Office of Management and Budget has directed the breakup of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. This move targets an institution foundational to weather forecasting and climate modeling, raising immediate concerns from scientists and public officials about the implications for research and national safety.
The Plan to Dismantle NCAR
According to a statement from White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought on social media, the National Science Foundation will begin breaking up NCAR immediately. Vought characterized the facility as "one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country." The plan, first reported by USA Today, stipulates that any operations deemed "vital," such as specific weather research functions, would be relocated to other entities or locations. The fate of the remaining research divisions and staff remains unclear.
Scientific and Safety Concerns
The announcement has been met with strong opposition from the scientific community. Kevin Trenberth, a distinguished scholar at NCAR, warned that dismantling the laboratory would result in a "major loss of scientific research." He emphasized the center's crucial role in pursuing advanced climate science discoveries. The practical implications for public safety are also severe. Antonio Busalacchi, president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research which oversees NCAR, stated that such plans "would set back our nation's ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to severe weather and other natural disasters."
Political Reaction and Broader Context
Democratic Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a statement expressing alarm, noting he had not been briefed by White House officials. He highlighted that NCAR's work provides critical data on severe weather "that help our country save lives and property, and prevent devastation for families." Governor Polis concluded, "If true, public safety is at risk and science is being attacked. If these cuts move forward we will lose our competitive advantage against foreign powers and adversaries in the pursuit of scientific discovery." This action aligns with President Trump's longstanding skepticism of climate science, which he has previously labeled a "hoax," and represents a continuation of efforts to roll back climate initiatives established during the Biden administration.
The decision to dismantle NCAR marks a significant escalation in the politicization of climate science. It poses a direct threat to a 65-year-old institution dedicated to foundational research. The move underscores a deepening rift between the scientific establishment and political leadership, with potential consequences that extend far beyond the laboratory walls in Boulder, impacting national security, economic competitiveness, and the fundamental ability to understand our changing planet.
