For 25 years, a dedicated team of experts monitored how climate change impacts the U.S. Their findings shaped the National Climate Assessments, reports released every four years to inform both policymakers and the public. However, this important work was abruptly halted this spring when the Trump administration dismissed all 400 experts involved in the next report. To make matters worse, past assessments disappeared from their federal site.
Gretchen Gehrke, who tracks federal websites for the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative, noted that the loss of the National Climate Assessments is especially significant. These reports broke down how climate change affects local communities, and many groups, from farmers to businesses, relied on them for guidance. Although some archived versions exist, accessing them is now more difficult. It’s unclear what will happen to the planned 2027-2028 report, which was already in draft form.
Experts interpret this disappearance in several ways. Some see it as a demonstration of executive power or as a move in the ongoing culture war over climate change. Leah Aronowsky, a science historian at Columbia Climate School, suggested we’re witnessing “denial by erasure.” Instead of outright denying climate science, the current approach seems focused on withholding crucial data.
The Trump administration has also reduced funding for climate research. For instance, in April, nearly $4 million was withdrawn from a Princeton program aimed at improving climate models, labeled as creating “climate anxiety.” This withdrawal of funds makes it more challenging to understand the planet’s changes. The Environmental Protection Agency had also failed to submit an annual report to the U.N. on the country’s greenhouse gas emissions for the previous year.
Historically, climate denial began in the 1990s, fueled by oil and gas companies sowing doubt about scientific findings. However, the current administration marks a shift from simply denying facts to actively obscuring them. John Cook, a researcher at The University of Melbourne, called this approach unprecedented. By using government policy to discredit scientists, the administration is altering the landscape of climate information.
The concept of “agnotology”—the study of how ignorance is created—fits here. By removing climate-related information from public access, the reality of climate change becomes harder to debate.
Despite current efforts, not all information has disappeared from government websites. For example, the EPA’s climate change page remains live, although many references have been removed.
Rachel Cleetus from the Union of Concerned Scientists warns that the implications extend beyond simply losing data. The removal of scientific information could lead to introducing misleading narratives that affect policy-making. This situation creates a confusing landscape where reality becomes obscured, making it vital to stay informed and vigilant.
As climate-related disasters increase globally, the need for reliable information grows. Statistically, a 2023 report noted a rise in climate-related incidents, with over $500 billion in damages reported in the last year alone. Staying connected to valid sources presents a way to combat misinformation.
For more on climate science and policy, explore the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.
