The Trump administration announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a globally leading Earth science institution based in Colorado. The move, revealed via a social media post from Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, frames NCAR as a primary source of “climate alarmism” and pledges to “break up” the organization.
Decades of Scientific Advancement
Founded in 1960, NCAR has been instrumental in major breakthroughs in weather and climate understanding. The center’s research aircraft and advanced computer models are critical for forecasting weather events, including natural disasters, across the United States. Its scientists also study a wide range of environmental issues, from air pollution to ocean currents and the effects of global warming.
Why This Matters: Erosion of Scientific Infrastructure
The decision to dismantle NCAR raises serious questions about the administration’s commitment to scientific research. The center was originally established to provide scientists with resources — such as high-performance computing — that individual universities could not afford. By eliminating a central hub for cutting-edge climate and weather studies, the U.S. risks falling behind in critical fields of research.
Uncertain Future of Vital Research
Vought stated that “vital activities such as weather research” would be relocated, but details remain vague. Scientists, meteorologists, and lawmakers have already condemned the move as an attack on science, warning of potential harm to the nation’s preparedness for severe weather and climate change. The dismantling of NCAR could disrupt ongoing research programs tracking extreme weather events, modeling floods, and understanding solar impacts on Earth’s atmosphere.
The long-term implications of this decision are still unfolding, but the move signals a clear shift in policy toward downplaying climate research and potentially undermining the nation’s ability to respond to environmental challenges.
The dismantling of NCAR is not just about shutting down an institution; it is about systematically eroding the infrastructure that supports critical scientific inquiry. This decision reflects a broader trend of diminishing investment in environmental research, raising concerns about the future of U.S. climate preparedness.
