Climate Activism and Research Funding Under Threat in the U.S.

In the U.S., climate activism is facing significant challenges, particularly through legal battles led by young activists against fossil fuel investments. Rikki Held, a 24-year-old from Montana, is part of a group that won a landmark case, Held v Montana, where 16 young plaintiffs claimed the state violated their constitutional rights by promoting fossil fuels.

After the state supreme court affirmed their win, new laws were passed that allegedly contravene this ruling, prompting the activists to petition the supreme court again. Young plaintiffs are also involved in lawsuits in other states and have appealed a recent dismissal of a federal case against the Trump administration for its pro-fossil fuel policies.

Meanwhile, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, crucial for climate and weather research, faces dismantling under political pressure linked to President Trump's conflicts with Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

The center's elimination would endanger vital research and operational forecasting capabilities, as NCAR supports extensive climate data used by scientists nationwide. Lawmakers, including Colorado Rep.

Joe Neguse, are rallying against this move, citing its potential to impact public safety and scientific advancement. The interconnectedness of climate science and public safety is underscored by recent funding initiatives in North Carolina aimed at rebuilding storm-damaged water systems, emphasizing the urgent need for resilience against extreme weather events.