Fatal Freeze: Trump Administration Slashes $4 Million from Princeton’s Vital Climate Research Funding

Nearly $4 million in federal grants have been cut from Princeton University’s climate research department. This decision stems from the Trump administration’s belief that the university’s research might cause “climate anxiety” among students and young people.

The cuts directly affect Princeton’s Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System, which partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This team includes Syukuro Manabe, a Nobel Prize-winning meteorologist recognized for his work on climate models.

The Commerce Department stated that Princeton’s collaboration with NOAA promotes unrealistic climate threats. They claimed the research contributes to increasing anxiety, particularly among the youth. However, they didn’t provide concrete evidence to support this.

The funding withdrawal halts various programs at Princeton, including a climate change education initiative for students from kindergarten to high school and important studies on water availability and coastal flooding risks. The department indicated that the grants were no longer aligned with NOAA’s priorities and the Trump administration’s goals, which tend to downplay climate change issues.

Dr. Rick Spinrad, who served as NOAA’s administrator during the Biden administration, expressed concern over the cuts. He highlighted how essential Princeton’s forecasts are for sectors like agriculture and transportation. His comments suggest that diminishing climate research could harm various industries that rely on accurate seasonal forecasts.

This funding cut aligns with broader trends during Trump’s presidency, which have seen significant reductions in federal support for climate research. For instance, last week, President Trump ended funding for the U.S. Global Change Research Program, a body responsible for vital climate reporting.

Additionally, Trump signed an executive order aimed at minimizing state and local environmental protections, which drew sharp criticism from advocates who called the move illegal. This reflects a significant shift in government policy regarding climate change and environmental stewardship.

In recent years, public concern about climate change has surged, particularly on social media. Hashtags like #ClimateAnxiety have trended online, as young people express their worries about the future. This response underscores the growing awareness of climate issues and the importance of continued research and education in addressing these challenges.

In light of this situation, experts warn that the loss of federal support could hinder vital research and educational programs. A future where funding for climate studies continues to be slashed may put the country’s climate readiness at risk and pose challenges for both current and future generations.

For more on climate research funding and its implications, you can refer to the New York Times.

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