What's happened
The White House plans to break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), citing concerns over climate alarmism. Critics warn this move will harm weather and climate research vital for disaster prediction and response, drawing widespread condemnation from scientists and policymakers.
What's behind the headline?
The decision to dismantle NCAR reflects a broader political shift against scientific institutions perceived as politically inconvenient. The administration's framing of NCAR's work as 'climate alarmism' masks the center's critical role in weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. Critics argue this move will significantly weaken the US's scientific capacity, especially in atmospheric and climate research. The administration's focus on 'core missions' and cutting 'green' activities appears to be driven by ideological motives rather than scientific or practical considerations. This action risks setting back decades of progress in understanding and responding to natural disasters, with potential long-term consequences for public safety and climate resilience. The legal and institutional challenges ahead suggest this will be a contentious process, but the impact on scientific integrity and national security is profound.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reorient federal research priorities, criticizing NCAR as a source of 'climate alarmism.' AP News highlights the White House's claim that restructuring aims to focus on weather research and cut 'green scam' activities, though critics see this as an attack on scientific independence. Ars Technica emphasizes the scientific community's dismay, with experts like Katharine Hayhoe and Gavin Schmidt warning that dismantling NCAR will weaken atmospheric science in the US. All sources agree that the decision is politically motivated, risking long-term damage to climate and weather research, with many scientists and policymakers condemning the move as an attack on scientific progress.
How we got here
Founded in 1960, NCAR has been a leading institution in atmospheric science, supporting research on weather, climate, and environmental phenomena. It has contributed to major scientific advances, including hurricane data collection and climate modeling. The Trump-era administration has targeted the center, claiming it promotes alarmism and unnecessary 'green' research, aiming to restructure or dismantle it.
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The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR ) is a federally funded research and development center headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, United States. Founded in 1960, NCAR is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and managed by the...
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