The Trump administration has announced the cancellation of funding for the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the body responsible for producing the federal government’s key climate change study, according to sources familiar with the decision.
This move, although anticipated, poses a significant threat to the National Climate Assessment, a report mandated by Congress every four years to address the challenges posed by increasing temperatures and the factors driving climate change. It serves as a comprehensive overview of climate change in the U.S. and plays a crucial role in guiding state and community initiatives to mitigate its impact.
Impact on Climate Change Efforts
By terminating the contract with consulting firm ICF International, which oversees the U.S. Global Change Research Program and the 13 federal agencies contributing to the National Climate Assessment, the administration has effectively disrupted climate change initiatives across various government bodies, according to a high-ranking official involved in these efforts.
As a result of this decision, the progress of the National Climate Assessment is at a standstill, despite the statutory requirement for a new assessment by 2027, as confirmed by another official closely engaged in USGCRP activities.
Policy Implications
The Trump administration’s move is part of a broader agenda to challenge existing environmental policies, including the reconsideration of the climate endangerment finding by the EPA. This finding acknowledges the adverse impact of greenhouse gases on human health and forms the basis for U.S. greenhouse gas regulations.
Despite scientific consensus on the role of fossil fuels in global warming, President Trump has consistently dismissed climate change as a hoax. This stance has influenced key decisions within the administration, such as the targeting of the USGCRP and National Climate Assessment for their perceived regulatory constraints.
Future Outlook
The White House Office of Management and Budget has advocated for either dismantling the USGCRP entirely or restructuring it with industry-aligned voices. This aligns with the objectives outlined in Project 2025, a policy blueprint endorsed by administration officials with ties to the Heritage Foundation.
As stakeholders assess the implications of these actions, the fate of climate change research and policy in the U.S. remains uncertain, highlighting the ongoing debate between environmental protection and economic interests.
