Scientific teams affirm continued efforts on drafting American climate report

A grassroots push amidst government stalemate

The scientific community is launching a counteroffensive against the Trump administration's attempts to derail the upcoming National Climate Assessment (NCA). Tensions surfaced last month when hundreds of scientists and experts involved in the sixth edition of the NCA were unceremoniously dismissed by the administration, putting the project on hold [1][3].

Now, two of the nation's most prominent science organizations, American Geophysical Union and American Meteorological Society, are stepping up to fill the void created by the administration's decision [2]. If the authors see fit, they plan to publish the researchers' work in their respective journals, offering an alternative outlet for essential climate research [2].

Brandon Jones, president of the American Geophysical Union and a National Science Foundation program director, stated, "We must ensure the safety and preparedness of our communities, neighbors, and future generations in the face of escalating climate change risks" [2]. The union aims to create a collaborative platform for scientists to rally together and provide the crucial, science-based solutions needed to tackle climate change on a global level.

First published in 2000, the NCA is a comprehensive, scientific evaluation of climate change's impact on the nation, its mitigation, and adaptation strategies [2]. The upcoming sixth edition was originally scheduled for release in early 2028.

It's important to note that the new initiative does not intend to replace the federal report. The American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society's statement clarifies that the congressionally mandated NCA remains an integral part of the process [2].

The White House has yet to respond to the development. Previously, when the authors of the NCA, known as NCA6, were dismissed, they received an email mentioning that the scope of the report is being reevaluated in compliance with the Global Change Research Act of 1990 [1]. This legislation formed the United States Global Change Research Program, which experienced cuts in staff and funding in April [3].

At this stage, it remains uncertain whether the administration will proceed with the assessment, attempt to bypass Congress and cancel it entirely, or adopt another course of action [3]. One possible outcome is the administration releasing a diluted report, potentially underrepresenting the connection between climate change and fossil fuel consumption [3].

Meanwhile, independent scientists are attempting to pick up the momentum lost during the government's disruption by aiming to publish their research, similar to the aborted National Nature Assessment [1]. Costa Samaras, a civil engineer at Carnegie Mellon University, who was set to head the climate mitigation chapter, summarized the situation: "Science is unstoppable" [1].

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The National Climate Assessment (NCA), a congressionally mandated report critical for climate adaptation planning, faces severe disruption after the Trump administration dismissed nearly 400 scientists and experts involved in its sixth iteration[1][3]. Key developments include:

Contract Cancellation and Staff RemovalFederal coordination contracts were terminated in early April 2025, and most US Global Change Research Program staff were dismissed weeks earlier[1][3]. This halts work on the sixth NCA, originally slated for 2027–2028[2].

Potential Outcomes- Reduced or Misleading Reports: Experts warn the administration might release a diminished version, potentially minimizing links between climate change and fossil fuels[2].- Independent Efforts: Some scientists may attempt independent publication, though the NCA’s complexity makes this unlikely without federal support[2].

Broader ContextThe move aligns with Project 2025 recommendations by the Heritage Foundation, which seeks to reduce the NCA’s influence and promote "diverse viewpoints" (interpreted as climate skepticism)[1]. Russell Vought, Trump’s budget director, has previously labeled the program as "climate fanaticism"[2][3]. While Congress retains authority to revive the NCA, current federal actions effectively stall its progress[2].

The scientific community, faced with the Trump administration's attempts to halt the National Climate Assessment (NCA), is seeking to publish critical climate research in the journals of prominent science organizations, such as the American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society, circumventing government stalemate and ensuring the information reaches the public.
In the face of mounting climate change risks, the American Geophysical Union aims to create a collaborative platform for scientists to rally together, providing science-based solutions that address environmental-science issues on a global level, contributing to the health-and-wellness of communities and future generations.
The 2025 dismissal of nearly 400 scientists and experts involved in the sixth edition of the NCA has put the project on hold, raising concerns about the administration's commitment to reviewing and addressing climate change, given that the National Climate Assessment is a crucial component of the climate-change fight in the United States.
Despite the administration's actions to stall the National Climate Assessment, independent scientists continue to push forward, following in the footsteps of the aborted National Nature Assessment, actively pursuing the publication of their climate-related research.
In the midst of this environmental turmoil, it remains uncertain whether the Trump administration will proceed with the NCA, attempt to bypass Congress and cancel the report, or take another course of action – though experts warn that a reduced or misleading report could potentially underrepresent the connection between climate change and fossil fuel consumption.

Scientific teams affirm continued efforts on drafting American climate report