In a significant response to the Trump administration’s controversial decision to dismiss nearly 400 scientists involved in compiling the nation’s major quadrennial climate change report, two prominent scientific associations have stepped forward to ensure that critical climate science research remains accessible. The American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS), leading organizations comprised of earth, space, and atmospheric scientists, have announced their plan to compile and publish a special series of writings focused on climate science effects in the U.S.
This bold initiative by AGU and AMS illustrates a dedicated effort to maintain the continuity and integrity of climate science research in the United States, especially at a time when the federal commitment to such research appears to be waning. The incoming collection, though not a direct replacement for the National Climate Assessment (NCA), aims to complement it by compiling a wide range of studies and findings that might otherwise remain unheard due to the recent dismissals.
The National Climate Assessment is a critical resource published every four years, mandated by the Global Change Research Act of 1990. It plays a vital role in summarizing the impacts of climate change across the country, aiding policymakers, businesses, and the public in understanding and preparing for various climate-related challenges. The sixth edition of this assessment is scheduled for release in 2027, and preparations to compile the necessary research have been ongoing.
However, the current administration led by President Trump has signaled a potential reduction in the scope of the upcoming NCA. According to statements made to CBS News, the White House is actively evaluating the extent of the climate assessment it plans to endorse. This development has raised concerns among the scientific community and environmental policymakers regarding the thoroughness and scientific rigor of future climate assessments.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, AGU and AMS have decided to proactively gather a compendium of scientific papers that delve into various aspects of climate change as it impacts the United States. This initiative is not only a collection of articles across different journals but a consolidated effort to spotlight significant scientific discourse around climate concerns specific to various regions of the country.
AGU’s president, Brandon Jones, emphasized that this joint endeavor provides a critical pathway for researchers from diverse fields to contribute their findings and insights, supporting global and national efforts to devise solutions to combat climate change. Moreover, the collection aims to include original research and review articles from a broad spectrum of climate scientists, including those who were released from their roles in preparing the sixth NCA.
The AMS and AGU project opens doors for these researchers to have their work peer-reviewed and published, ensuring that their valuable insights do not go to waste even if their contributions are no longer part of the federal government’s official report. David Stensrud, president of AMS, extolled the comprehensive and rigorous nature of the NCA, highlighting its indispensable role in providing vital climate science knowledge to decision-makers at all levels of government and industry. He advocates strongly for continued support of such endeavors to enrich and expand the body of knowledge available to guide policy and private sector response to climate challenges.
The anticipation for this special collection is high, although the exact timeline for its publication remains uncertain. Both AGU and AMS have conveyed that assembling the full catalog of research and undergoing the requisite, rigorous peer-review process will take considerable time, possibly spanning several months to years. Nonetheless, this effort underscores the commitment of the scientific community to uphold the integrity and continuity of climate science research, particularly in a political climate that may not prioritize or acknowledge its importance.
This initiative is an explicit acknowledgment of the ongoing need for robust scientific dialogue and detailed research into the multifaceted impacts of climate change across the U.S. It is also a testament to the resilience and dedication of the scientific community facing political and financial constraints that could hinder critical research and its dissemination.
Through this collective effort by AGU and AMS, the scientific community aims to ensure that vital research not only continues but is also effectively communicated and utilized in shaping environmental policy and response strategies moving forward. The recognition of the urgency to maintain and expand upon existing climate knowledge can serve as a crucial counterbalance to tendencies within any administration that may seek to minimize the scope of scientific inquiry into climate change due to varied political agendas.
