The National Climate Assessment website, a key resource for understanding climate change effects in the U.S., has gone offline. This report is a vital tool for teachers, city planners, farmers, and everyday citizens seeking answers about climate-related issues, like rising sea levels or wildfire risks.
Unfortunately, the Trump administration had already halted work on the next edition of this report and dismissed the team behind it. This has raised concerns about the future of climate reporting and public access to crucial information. The last assessment, published in 2023, stressed the serious impact of climate change, labeling it costly and preventable. Katharine Hayhoe, a prominent climate scientist involved in the report, highlighted that its findings touch everyone’s lives in the U.S. “If you’re a human being in the United States, your life is already being impacted by climate change whether you know it or not,” she stated.
The government’s delay means the next edition is now set for 2027, but much of the groundwork has stalled since April when all coordinating staff were let go. As a result, the continuity of crucial climate data faces challenges.
Fortunately, you can still find the National Climate Assessment. An archived version is available through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and NASA will host all editions in due time. However, be aware that NOAA’s archived site lacks the search features of the original site. Alternatively, you can access a searchable version through the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.
The interactive atlas, which allows users to explore climate impacts regionally, is still accessible on a different site run by Esri, a mapping software company.
As public concern over climate change continues to grow, user reactions on social media show frustration over the unavailability of critical data. Many see the National Climate Assessment as an essential guide for both individual and community decision-making in facing climate challenges.
In a world increasingly affected by climate extremes, having access to reliable information is more crucial than ever. The ability to understand regional effects helps communities prepare and adapt to changing conditions.
For ongoing updates, you can refer to the National Climate Assessment at NOAA’s archived site and keep an eye on NASA for future access to complete reports. This information will continue to serve as a foundation for understanding climate impacts as they evolve.