In response to the Trump administration’s decision to halt a crucial federal report on climate change, two major scientific societies have pledged to fill the gap by producing their own peer-reviewed assessment of the current and future impacts of climate change across the United States.
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU) will collaborate on a new report that aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how climate change is affecting various regions of the U.S. This move comes after the administration informed over 400 scientists working on the National Climate Assessment (NCA) that their services were no longer needed, leaving the report’s future uncertain. The NCA, which is required by a 1990 federal law, is typically released every four years and was due for its next update in 2027. However, recent budget proposals have raised concerns about significant cuts to funding and the potential elimination of key offices involved in its creation.
“We are filling in a gap in the scientific process,” said AGU President Brandon Jones. “It’s more about ensuring that science continues.” Former AMS President Anjuli Bamzi, a retired atmospheric scientist, emphasized that the federal report’s projections of climate impacts over the next 25 and 100 years are critical for long-term planning.
Leading climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe, who has contributed to previous climate assessments, noted that understanding how climate change is affecting decisions today is crucial for adapting to future challenges, such as building infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events.
The scientific societies aim to release their version of the assessment within a year, presenting a timely summary of the latest science. The 2023 federal climate report, released just before the administration’s decision, warned of the growing risks posed by climate change, including extreme weather, health issues, and economic disruptions.
As the Trump administration reassesses the NCA, concerns have emerged about the quality and accuracy of any new report it might issue. University of Illinois scientist Donald Wuebbles expressed doubts about the administration’s approach, fearing that any report produced might lack the rigor needed to address the severity of climate change.
Despite potential challenges from the administration, the scientific community’s commitment to providing accurate, data-driven information remains steadfast. “Climate change affects us all,” said Hayhoe, emphasizing the universal impact of climate change, regardless of political affiliation.
Source: Swifteradio.com
