Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle Key Climate Research Center in Colorado

The Trump administration plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, which is recognized for its contributions to climate research, particularly in weather patterns and severe weather forecasting.

Russell Vought, the director of the White House's Office of Management and Budget, described NCAR as a major source of climate alarmism, asserting that a comprehensive review is underway and that essential research activities will be relocated.

This decision has sparked backlash from climate scientists and local officials, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who emphasized that NCAR's work extends beyond climate science, providing critical data on severe weather events that are vital for public safety.

Experts argue that dismantling NCAR would significantly hinder advancements in weather prediction and disaster response, with University of California, Los Angeles, climate scientist Daniel Swain calling it a 'terrible blow to American science' and likening the action to 'taking a sledgehammer' to a key element of scientific understanding.

The administration has also proposed a 30% funding cut to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which further raises concerns about the future of climate research and public safety initiatives.