Discover the Nation’s Top Climate Report: The White House Removed It, But You Can Access It Here!

The National Climate Assessment (NCA) is crucial for understanding how climate change impacts the United States. This comprehensive report provides insights for teachers, city planners, farmers, judges, and everyday people. It answers pressing questions about issues like rising sea levels and wildfire smoke.

Recently, the official website hosting the NCA went offline, leaving many without access to its valuable information. This came after the Trump administration halted preparations for the next edition, which was due in 2027, dismissing the staff responsible. The White House has not commented on why the website is down or if the assessment will continue.

Congress mandates that the NCA be published every four years. The most recent edition, released in 2023, highlighted the serious financial and social costs of climate change. Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe emphasized that everyone in the U.S. is affected by climate change, even if they aren’t aware of it. "The National Climate Assessment was one of the primary tools connecting those dots," she stated.

Despite the website’s shutdown, the information isn’t lost. An archived version of the latest report can be accessed through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) here. All previous editions are also available on NASA’s website, although it’s unclear when that will be operational.

If you’re looking for the interactive atlas that allows users to explore localized climate impacts, it’s still available through Esri’s platform here.

As climate change continues to escalate, awareness and access to reliable information are more important than ever. According to a 2022 survey from the Pew Research Center, about 70% of Americans believe climate change is affecting their local weather, underscoring the need for updates like the NCA. Even with a temporary lack of official access, communities can still stay informed and engaged in discussions about climate change and its effects.

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