Why the US Coast Guard Academy is Scrubbing ‘Climate Change’ from Its Curriculum: An Inside Look

The U.S. Coast Guard plays a vital role in protecting the nation, tackling challenges that include hurricanes and the effects of melting Arctic ice. However, there are significant changes happening at the Coast Guard Academy, the primary training ground for its officers. Recent adjustments have removed “climate change” and similar terms from the curriculum, aligning it with policies from former President Donald Trump.

Amy Donahue, the academy’s provost, confirmed this decision in a statement shared on the Coast Guard Academy alumni website. This change came after concerns raised by alumni regarding the handling of climate issues in education.

These curriculum adjustments follow executive orders from Trump that aimed to end previous climate change policies, as well as directives from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to remove climate-related terminology from department programs. With the Coast Guard under the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime, it is the only military branch not governed by the Department of Defense.

Donahue believes that the quality of education won’t suffer despite removing climate-specific terminology from coursework. She stated that the academy will still cover essential scientific topics but didn’t provide specifics on the exact changes made.

However, concerns are growing among experts and former leaders within the Coast Guard. Retired Admiral Paul Zukunft, who once led the organization, emphasized that understanding climate change is critical for cadets, especially as they respond to maritime disasters and environmental challenges.

The Coast Guard, known by its motto “Semper Paratus” or “Always Ready,” is responsible for a wide range of missions, from law enforcement to disaster response. The impact of climate change is evident in these missions, as rising sea levels and more intense storms increasingly threaten coastal infrastructure and safety operations.

In 2023, Admiral Linda Fagan, a previous commandant, noted that climate change would significantly affect all Coast Guard operations. Yet, her guidance document on this subject has been removed from the Coast Guard’s website, and she was relieved of her position shortly after Trump’s inauguration.

Zukunft pointed out that understanding climate change is essential for Coast Guard officers to make informed decisions in their work around the globe, particularly in regions like Micronesia, where the Coast Guard’s presence helps counter China’s influence. He stresses that officers need to grasp how climate issues like saltwater intrusion and changing fish populations directly affect communities and ecosystems.

Climate change fatigue is also apparent at home. Training bases in Cape May, New Jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia, are facing water intrusion challenges due to rising sea levels. The fiscal implications of climate impacts are significant, with backlogs of crucial infrastructure projects estimated to exceed $7 billion.

Experts argue that excluding climate terminology from education diminishes the quality of scientific training. Jennifer da Rosa from Goucher College has indicated that limiting language in classrooms can hinder the educational process, comparing it to historical efforts to restrict teaching evolution. Without addressing core topics like climate change, students may find it challenging to fully understand related scientific disciplines.

Overall, while the Coast Guard Academy asserts its commitment to quality education, the removal of climate change terminology raises concerns about the long-term preparedness of future Coast Guard leaders. As climate challenges grow, the need for informed and ready officers becomes ever more critical.

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