Trump Administration Announces Plan to Dismantle National Center for Atmospheric Research

White House Targets Leading Climate Research Center

The Trump administration has announced its intention to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, a move that has ignited widespread concern within the scientific community and among political leaders. The plan was revealed by Russell Vought, Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), who stated on social media that NCAR is 'one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country.'

According to Vought's statements, the National Science Foundation (NSF), which funds NCAR, will be responsible for breaking up the center. He indicated that a 'comprehensive review' is underway and that 'any vital activities such as weather research will be moved to another entity or location.'

Rationale Behind the Decision

The decision to target NCAR aligns with the Trump administration's broader efforts to eliminate federal climate change programs and research it deems as promoting 'climate alarmism' or 'Green New Scam research activities.' Officials have suggested that the move aims to 'redefine the scope of modeling and forecasting research and operations to concentrate on needs such as seasonal weather prediction, severe storms, and space weather.' The administration has previously taken steps such as laying off staff at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and cutting funding for its scientific research arm, as well as dismissing scientists involved in the National Climate Assessment.

NCAR's Critical Role in Science and Public Safety

Established in 1960, NCAR is a globally recognized institution employing approximately 830 staff and is considered a 'crown jewel' of U.S. scientific enterprise. Its research is fundamental to understanding Earth's systems, providing crucial data for weather forecasts, climate models, and atmospheric data used by governments, universities, emergency planners, and various industries.

Key contributions of NCAR include:

• Development of the Community Earth System Model, which underpins international climate assessments.
• Research enabling air quality monitoring, forecasting of droughts, extreme precipitation events, and improving hurricane intensity forecasts.
• Operation of facilities like the Mesa Laboratory in Boulder and management of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputer, vital for Earth science research.

Experts warn that dismantling NCAR could severely impact the nation's ability to predict and respond to severe weather and natural disasters, potentially leaving millions vulnerable to worsening climate hazards.

Outcry from Scientists and Lawmakers

The announcement has been met with strong condemnation. Governor Jared Polis of Colorado stated that his office had not received official information regarding the administration's intentions and warned that 'public safety is at risk and science is being attacked.' Governor Polis emphasized that NCAR's work extends beyond climate science, delivering 'life-saving breakthroughs that provide early warnings for natural disasters.'

U.S. Representative Joe Neguse, whose district includes Boulder, called the directive 'reckless' and 'deeply dangerous and blatantly retaliatory,' vowing to fight against attempts to 'gut this cutting-edge research institution.' Scientists expressed shock, with one former researcher noting that dismantling NCAR 'would impact every earth science and atmospheric science university department in the country.' The National Science Foundation was reportedly 'blindsided' by the announcement.