The Trump administration says it plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, a move that has alarmed scientists and raised serious concerns about public safety and the future of climate science. According to Lisa Friedman, Brad Plumer, and Jack Healy of The New York Times, the White House budget director described the center as a source of climate alarmism and said its work would be broken apart and relocated.
For decades, the center has helped scientists understand how the planet behaves, from tracking hurricanes to improving daily weather forecasts. Its tools and models guide emergency responses to fires, floods, and storms that put lives at risk. These efforts protect communities, animals, and local economies that depend on accurate forecasts to prepare for disasters.
Experts say the decision threatens the foundation of climate and weather research in the United States. The center supports researchers who study air Pollution, ocean currents, and long term warming trends that shape the environment. These findings also inform policies that protect public health and reduce harm to vulnerable communities. Cutting this work weakens the country’s ability to respond to fires and floods that are becoming more intense across the Earth.
Scientists across the political spectrum have pushed back, noting that much of the research has nothing to do with ideology. It focuses on basic atmospheric science that keeps planes safe, helps farmers plan, and supports early warning systems. Losing this capacity could leave the United States behind other nations that are investing heavily in climate science.
Beyond science, the move could hurt local jobs and slow innovation at a time when clean energy and plant based solutions are gaining attention. Research that informs vegan and climate friendly choices depends on reliable data about how the planet is changing.
Source: https://www.onegreenplanet.org/
