Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center (NCAR) in Colorado
3 days ago
- #science-funding
- #Trump-administration
- #climate-research
- The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado, labeling it as a hub for 'federal climate alarmism.'
- NCAR, established in 1960, focuses on atmospheric chemistry and physical meteorology and employs about 830 people under the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).
- The White House plans to eliminate what it calls 'green new scam research activities' while relocating 'vital functions' like weather modeling and supercomputing.
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides $123 million annually to NCAR, accounting for about half of its budget.
- Trump has also pushed for cuts to NOAA, including eliminating its Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and funding for climate, weather, and ocean labs.
- Scientists criticize the move, highlighting NCAR's contributions to weather prediction, including advancements in hurricane forecasting and severe weather warnings.
- Roger Pielke Jr., a former NCAR employee, calls the center a 'crown jewel of the U.S. scientific enterprise' and opposes its closure.
- The administration also canceled $109 million in environmentally focused transportation grants in Colorado aimed at boosting electric vehicles and rail improvements.
- Trump has repeatedly dismissed climate change as a 'hoax,' despite scientific consensus on its reality and impacts.