Scientists Dismissed from Climate Change Report Amid Concerns

Nearly 400 scientists across the United States were informed on Monday that their services were no longer needed for the upcoming National Climate Assessment. This major report, produced every four years, summarizes the impacts of climate change in the United States and is mandated by the Global Change Research Act of 1990. The sixth edition is slated for publication in 2027, with preparations underway for months to meet the deadline.

The National Climate Assessment serves as a crucial resource for federal, state, and local governments, as well as private companies, to prepare for climate change impacts. It provides insights into future climate risk projections and guides adaptation and mitigation strategies. An email from the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the federal office organizing the report, informed participants of their release from their roles, citing a "reevaluation" of the assessment's "scope" as the Trump administration seeks to comply with the law.

The scientific community expresses concern about the report's future without the expertise of the hundreds of scientists and researchers, many of whom volunteered their time. Critics argue that dismissing these experts undermines the report's integrity and effectiveness. The move aligns with plans outlined in Project 2025, a policy roadmap by the Heritage Foundation, which suggests reshaping the report and the organizing office to include "diverse viewpoints."

The dismissal of the scientists follows earlier actions, including the firing of federal employees at the U.S. Global Change Research Program and the cancellation of the contract for outside work on the assessment. While many scientists anticipated this news, they expressed disappointment and concern about the report's future.

The ability to publish an independent report outside of federal control is uncertain. Independent fundraising would be necessary to support the efforts of hundreds of volunteer scientists. The failure to produce a report that withstands rigorous scientific review is significant, potentially diminishing the nation's status as a leader in data and research.

The scientific community is discussing how to move forward, with fears that the Trump administration may produce its own report, potentially assigning authors who represent alternative viewpoints on climate change. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration is legally obligated to produce the sixth version of the National Climate Assessment by the end of 2027, as mandated by the Global Change Research Act of 1990.