Trump Administration Breaks Promise: Major Climate Change Reports Will Not Be Published on NASA Website

In a recent move, the Trump administration made accessing important climate change reports more difficult. Official government websites that hosted vital peer-reviewed assessments suddenly went offline, leaving many without crucial information about the impacts of climate change on local communities.

These assessments provide insights into how climate change affects each state and suggest ways to adapt. The White House initially indicated that NASA would take over hosting these documents under a law from 1990. However, NASA later canceled these plans.

“The USGCRP has met its reporting obligations to Congress,” said NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens in an email. This means the important data will not be accessible on NASA’s site.

Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe emphasized the significance of these reports. “This document, funded by taxpayers, is crucial for understanding how to stay safe in a changing climate,” she stated. These reports outline risks to public safety, agriculture, and natural resources.

Copies of previous assessments still exist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s library, and the latest report can be accessed through an interactive atlas online.

John Holdren, a former science advisor in the Obama administration, criticized the current administration for what he perceives as censorship attempts. He believes the reports contain essential information that could help communities grasp the real-time effects of climate change.

The 2023 report highlighted how climate change is impacting health and security across the nation, particularly affecting minority communities like Native Americans. Studies show that these groups often bear the brunt of disasters caused by climate shifts.

Access to scientific data is important now more than ever, especially as extreme weather events increase. Understanding these shifts helps individuals and organizations prepare for what lies ahead.

For anyone interested, copies of earlier assessments can still be found at the NOAA library. You can also explore the latest interactive atlas of climate impacts here.

In a world where climate change poses a threat to everyday life, having access to reliable, clear information is essential for making informed decisions. Whether it’s businesses, government officials, or everyday citizens, we all need this knowledge to navigate a warming planet.

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