The Trump administration is dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, a facility widely recognized for its contributions to weather and climate science. The move, announced by Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, is framed as an effort to eliminate what the administration calls “climate alarmism” and wasteful research activities.
Accusations and Justification
Vought stated that NCAR is “one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country.” The administration accuses the center of pursuing a “woke direction” and funding projects deemed frivolous, including the Rising Voices Center for Indigenous and Earth Sciences, which focuses on inclusivity in science.
The administration’s decision aligns with Donald Trump’s repeated dismissals of climate change as a “con job” or “hoax.” Officials have vowed to eliminate “green new scam research activities.”
Criticism and Concerns
Experts and political leaders have condemned the move. Roger Pielke Jr., a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, called NCAR “a crown jewel of the US scientific enterprise” and argued that shuttering it would harm America’s leadership in atmospheric sciences.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis stated that dismantling NCAR puts “public safety at risk.” The center provides crucial data on severe weather events, aiding in disaster preparedness and saving lives.
NCAR’s Operations and Impact
NCAR employs approximately 830 staff and operates the Mesa Laboratory in Boulder, as well as two atmospheric research aircraft and a supercomputing facility in Wyoming. The center is renowned for advances in understanding weather patterns, including tropical cyclones.
The administration’s decision follows a pattern of climate skepticism. While the administration frames the move as eliminating wasteful spending, critics argue that it undermines critical scientific infrastructure. The shutdown will likely disrupt ongoing research and could hinder the country’s ability to respond effectively to extreme weather events.
The decision to dismantle NCAR sends a clear signal: the administration prioritizes political ideology over scientific advancement, with potentially severe consequences for both research and public safety.
The long-term effects of this move on US climate research remain uncertain, but it underscores a broader trend of diminishing support for scientific institutions under the Trump administration.
