• The Trump administration plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado.
• This move is seen as politically motivated and could undermine U.S. scientific competitiveness.
• NCAR has been crucial for weather forecasting and climate research for over 60 years.
• Officials warn that this could leave millions vulnerable to climate hazards like wildfires and hurricanes.
• The proposal has drawn strong condemnation from scientists, lawmakers, and Colorado officials.

The Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, a major player in U.S. climate and weather research for over six decades. According to Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, NCAR is characterized as "one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country," leading to the decision to move its vital functions elsewhere, a claim met with backlash from the scientific community who argue such changes could severely undermine U.S. ability to address severe weather and climate challenges, according to Channel News Asia, ABC News, Los Angeles Times, and Vox.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research, founded in 1960, is crucial for improving climate forecasts and understanding various weather systems that contribute to climate change and extreme weather events. Experts note that dismantling NCAR threatens to disrupt the scientific infrastructure necessary for effective weather prediction and climate resilience. As stated by Antonio Busalacchi, president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, NCAR plays a central role in providing tools and data for effective disaster response and environmental management, according to ABC News, Los Angeles Times, and Vox.

Critics, including scientists and lawmakers, argue that the proposed dismantling of NCAR is driven more by political motives than fiscal responsibility, citing President Trump’s ongoing feud with Colorado Governor Jared Polis. These politically charged decisions threaten to dismantle decades of public investment in critical climate and weather research, leaving vulnerable populations at increased risk. Carlos Martinez, a senior climate scientist, emphasized this potential loss as a significant setback for understanding and responding to climate impacts, according to Channel News Asia, ABC News, Los Angeles Times, and Vox.

NCAR's impact extends beyond academia, serving essential roles in military forecasting, emergency management, and private sector industries. The center’s data and technologies are integral for sectors ranging from agriculture to insurance, underscoring the far-reaching consequences that result from any disruption of its operations. The push to dismantle NCAR has been met with alarm from various stakeholders, who warn of the dangers posed by diminishing scientific resources and infrastructure as the nation navigates an era of intensifying climate challenges, according to ABC News, Los Angeles Times, and Vox.

Critics of the proposed dismantling, including U.S. Senators from Colorado and Rep. Joe Neguse, have condemned the administration’s actions as reckless and retaliatory, emphasizing the research NCAR conducts as vital for national security and public safety. They vow to fight against the dismantling efforts, arguing that weakening NCAR poses a direct threat to life-saving weather predictions and climate preparedness, according to Channel News Asia, Los Angeles Times, and Vox.