Read on PBS NewsThe Dismantling of a Climate Research Keystone: Implications for Science and Society
The Trump administration's move to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado represents a significant shift in federal climate policy. As the largest federal research program on climate change, NCAR's work is critical for predicting severe weather and natural disasters. This article explores the rationale behind the decision, the lab's vital functions in atmospheric science and disaster preparedness, and the potential consequences for scientific advancement and public safety. We examine the political context and the broader implications for America's competitive edge in earth systems research.
The recent announcement by the Trump administration to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado has sent shockwaves through the scientific community and raised significant questions about the future of climate research and disaster preparedness in the United States. Described by a top White House official as "one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country," the move targets a cornerstone institution that has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere for decades. This decision underscores a deepening political divide over climate science and its role in federal policy, with profound implications for how the nation predicts and responds to natural disasters.
The Role and Significance of NCAR
Established in the post-World War II era amid growing interest in meteorology and atmospheric science, the National Center for Atmospheric Research has evolved into the nation's premier hub for climate and weather research. Managed by a nonprofit consortium of over 130 universities on behalf of the National Science Foundation, NCAR houses the largest federal research program dedicated to climate change. Its mission extends far beyond academic study; it supports critical research to predict, prepare for, and respond to severe weather events and other natural disasters, from hurricanes and floods to wildfires.
The lab's work is foundational to modern meteorology and climate science. As climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe noted, NCAR is "quite literally our global mothership," supporting the scientists who fly into hurricanes, develop new radar technology, and code the advanced weather models that communities rely on for early warnings. Its community climate model is among the most sophisticated in the world, providing essential data for understanding long-term climate trends and their impacts.
The Administration's Rationale and Political Context
The decision to dismantle NCAR was framed by White House Budget Director Russ Vought, who stated that a comprehensive review of the lab is underway and that "vital activities such as weather research will be moved to another entity or location." A senior White House official, speaking anonymously, criticized the lab's "woke direction," citing specific projects like an Indigenous and Earth Sciences center aimed at making sciences more inclusive and an experiment tracing air pollution sources. The administration's stance positions the lab as an institution that has strayed from its original scientific purpose into what it views as ideological pursuits.
This move is not isolated. It follows the recent renaming and refocusing of the National Renewable Energy Lab in Colorado to the "National Laboratory of the Rockies," with Assistant Energy Secretary Audrey Robertson stating the administration is "no longer picking and choosing energy sources." Together, these actions signal a deliberate shift in federal research priorities away from climate change mitigation and renewable energy, aligning with a broader political narrative that questions the urgency and economic impact of climate policies.
Potential Consequences and Broader Implications
The potential consequences of dismantling NCAR are far-reaching. Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, warned that the lab is a global leader whose work on severe weather events "helps our country save lives and property." He argued that losing NCAR would erode America's competitive advantage in scientific discovery against foreign powers. The lab's 830 employees and countless associated programs at partner universities face an uncertain future, threatening a brain drain of specialized expertise.
Antonio Busalacchi, president of the university consortium that manages NCAR, stated that dismantling the research lab "would set back our nation's ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to severe weather and other natural disasters." This sentiment was echoed by Colorado's Democratic senators and representatives, who called the move "reckless" and "deeply dangerous," arguing it would have devastating consequences for communities nationwide that depend on accurate weather forecasting and climate modeling.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Science and Policy
The effort to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research represents a pivotal moment at the intersection of science, policy, and public safety. While framed by the administration as a corrective to ideological overreach, the decision is perceived by the scientific community and many policymakers as an attack on evidence-based research critical for national security and resilience. The outcome of this action will not only determine the fate of a premier research institution but also signal the value the United States places on understanding and adapting to a changing climate. As the review proceeds, the fundamental question remains: how will the nation manage the growing risks of severe weather and natural disasters without the robust scientific infrastructure that NCAR provides?
