The Trump administration has dismissed nearly 400 contributors to the U.S. government’s critical National Climate Assessment (NCA), according to an email sent to the involved scientists on Monday. This move casts doubt on the future of the report, which plays a key role in guiding federal and local governments in preparing for the impacts of climate change.
The NCA, a multi-year, peer-reviewed analysis mandated by Congress, provides essential information for decision-making around climate policies and funding. The sixth edition of the report, due for publication in 2028, has now been thrown into uncertainty following the dismissal of the contributors.
Dismissal Leaves NCA6 in Doubt
The email, seen by Reuters, informed contributors that the “scope of the NCA6 is being evaluated in accordance with the Global Change Research Act of 1990.” This legislation, which was signed by Republican President George H.W. Bush, initially kickstarted the climate assessments and has been a cornerstone in U.S. climate science policy. However, with the Trump administration’s recent actions, including the dismissal of the Global Change Research Program earlier this month, the future of the NCA is now at risk.
The assessment traditionally involved coordination between 14 federal agencies and input from hundreds of scientists, including external experts. Its findings have been crucial for understanding the economic and social costs of climate change, such as rising insurance prices, food costs, and the strain on public health systems due to extreme weather events.
Impact of Trump Administration’s Actions on Scientific Research
This development is part of a broader pattern within the Trump administration, which has targeted scientific research across various federal agencies. The administration has implemented sweeping job cuts in organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), all under the premise of reducing “wasteful spending.”
The climate assessment has been a focal point of these efforts, particularly through Project 2025—a right-wing policy blueprint associated with the Heritage Foundation, which has influenced many of Trump’s policies. Project 2025 advocates for reshaping scientific agencies and imposing more stringent scrutiny on contributors to reports like the NCA, arguing that such studies should better align with the administration’s political objectives.
Reaction and Concerns About the Future of Climate Science
The move to dismiss contributors has sparked widespread concerns among climate scientists and policymakers. The NCA is regarded as one of the most comprehensive climate studies in the world, providing data essential for understanding the long-term impacts of climate change. The report’s influence extends beyond government decision-making, helping shape private sector investments and community-level resilience planning.
While the White House has yet to comment on the email or the future of the NCA, environmental advocates fear that the dismissal of contributors could delay or dilute the critical findings necessary to address the escalating climate crisis.
