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Two prominent American scientific organizations, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the American Geophysical Union (AGU), are stepping up to continue vital climate research that has faced uncertainty under the current political climate. This initiative follows the Trump administration’s decision to reevaluate the contributions of 400 scientists involved in the National Climate Assessment, a crucial report mandated by law that evaluates the impacts of climate change on the United States.
In response to concerns over the future of the National Climate Assessment, AMS and AGU are planning to publish their own peer-reviewed assessments within the next year. These reports will focus on local and regional climate trends, providing essential insights for city planners, engineers, farmers, and public health officials.
The National Climate Assessment, released every four to five years since 1990, serves as a comprehensive resource that highlights how climate change is affecting various aspects of life in the U.S. The most recent report, published in 2023, indicated that climate change is already impacting physical, mental, and community health through increasingly severe weather events, the spread of diseases, and threats to food and water security.
With the potential for funding cuts and political pressure leading to a diluted or delayed official report expected around 2027, AMS and AGU’s initiative aims to fill this gap in scientific communication. Their commitment underscores the importance of providing accurate and timely climate data, which is crucial for effective long-term planning and adaptation strategies.
The scientific community emphasizes that clear and unambiguous data is essential for equipping society to deal with future climate challenges. By undertaking this independent assessment, AMS and AGU reaffirm their commitment to ensuring that vital climate science continues to inform public understanding and policy, even amid political uncertainties.
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