(LibertySociety.com) – The Trump administration’s decision to end the U.S. Global Change Research Program marks a seismic shift in the nation’s approach to climate policy.
At a Glance
- The Trump administration ended the U.S. Global Change Research Program, halting federal climate assessments.
- Princeton University’s climate research funding reduced by $4 million as part of federal streamlining.
- The administration criticized the bias of existing assessments, claiming exaggerated climate outcomes.
- U.S. scientists were withdrawn from a key United Nations climate change assessment.
Termination of USGCRP
Implemented in 1990, the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) played a significant role in comprehending climate dynamics. The Trump administration recently announced its termination, which ceases crucial financial backing. The decision halts future assessments anticipated by 2026, resulting in disappointment among advocates for robust climate policies.
With its closing, NASA-managed contracts, particularly with consulting firm ICF, face the axe. Criticisms have surfaced about ICF’s influence over climate narratives, accused of presenting overly pessimistic climate effects.
Reprioritizing Federal Research
Alongside cutting the USGCRP, the Department of Commerce announced a $4 million reduction in funding to Princeton University’s climate research. This move aligns with President Trump’s broader intent to streamline federal operations, focusing only on research aligned with the administration’s objectives. “These programs are no longer aligned with NOAA’s objectives,” stated Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
“after a detailed, careful, and thorough review of the Department’s financial assistance programs against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) current program objectives.” – Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick
Programs affected include the Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System (CIMES), vital for oceanic and atmospheric model development.
International and Domestic Implications
President Trump has also removed U.S. scientists from global panels, like the United Nations climate change assessment. This absence stirs concerns over reduced influence in shaping international climate policy. The U.S. exclusion from the IPCC plenary meeting in China remains a symbol of this retreat. Delta Merner from the Union of Concerned Scientists questioned the overall impact, emphasizing cohesion among agencies.
“The power of the IPCC is that governments, businesses, and global institutions can operate with shared conclusions. The U.S. being completely removed from that process is concerning.” – Delta Merner
These actions are part of a broader dismantling of climate regulations, extending to state levels. An executive order now challenges state policies on carbon emissions and alternative energy mandates. State officials, seeing federal interference, hint at resisting these maneuvers.
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