Trump Administration Breaks Promise: Major Climate Change Reports Absent from NASA Website

NASA’s Climate Change Reports Under Scrutiny

Recently, the Trump administration made it harder for people to access crucial scientific reports on climate change. These reports explain how climate change affects different areas of the country and what steps communities should take to adapt.

Earlier this month, key government sites hosting these reports went offline. The White House stated that NASA would host them instead. However, just days later, NASA announced that it would not carry these reports after all. According to Bethany Stevens, NASA’s Press Secretary, their agency isn’t legally required to host this information. So, the data from these important climate assessments won’t be available on NASA’s website.

Expert Opinions on the Issue

Climate scientists are worried about this decision. Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist at Texas Tech, emphasized that these reports contain essential information on climate risks. She believes the public needs this knowledge to stay safe as climate-related disasters increase.

John Holdren, a former science adviser during the Obama administration, criticized the Trump administration for what he views as intentional misinformation. He argues that the administration aims to keep the public from accessing vital insights about how climate change affects agriculture, forests, and communities.

The Impact on Public Awareness

Climate change is not just a future problem; it has already begun to affect people’s lives. The most recent national climate assessment, released in 2023, revealed that minorities, particularly Native Americans, are often at a higher risk from climate impacts.

Community leaders and local governments need this information for planning and protection. The more that is learned from these reports, the better equipped communities will be to face climate challenges.

Where to Find the Reports

Though the original government websites are down, past reports can be found at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s library. The latest findings and interactive tools can also be explored here.

With climate change posing increasing threats, easy access to scientific data is more vital than ever. As conversations around these issues heat up, it’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and prepared.

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John Holdren, Climate change, Donald Trump, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States government, United States, DC Wire, District of Columbia, Politics, Climate and environment, Katharine Hayhoe, Climate