Scientists are Fighting Back Against Trump's Attack on Climate Data. Here's How.
The latest move from President Donald Trump - asking about global warming during a brutal winter storm - is just the tip of the iceberg. The president has been waging a war on climate data, purging government websites and initiatives that support climate science, and even yanking the US out of the Paris Climate Change Agreement for a second time.
But scientists are resisting this effort to erase climate data from public view. In response, they're banding together with nonprofit organizations like Climate Central to save vital information and secure funding from alternative sources.
"We don't have a ton of extra bandwidth to take on new projects or try to build things that have taken years to build for the federal government," said Kristina Dahl, vice president for science at Climate Central. "But something like the billion-dollar disasters dataset is key data that many people rely on across different sectors."
The Trump administration's attacks on climate science have had a devastating impact on research initiatives and funding. But scientists are adapting by using alternative platforms to share their work, such as peer-reviewed journals and independent websites.
"This is not just about saving our own projects," said Dahl. "It's about having access to the data and information that many people rely on to understand climate change."
The transfer of sovereignty over climate research from public agencies to nonprofits has raised concerns about accountability and transparency. But scientists say it's also an opportunity for more nuanced, actionable research.
"We should strive to build a science infrastructure or a scientific foundation for this country that is responsive to the needs of the U.S. population," said Janice Lachance, CEO of the American Geophysical Union.
For climate researchers, the stakes are high. The data they collect and share has the power to inform policy decisions, prevent disasters, and protect public health.
As the Trump administration continues its assault on climate science, scientists are fighting back with every tool at their disposal. It's a battle that will shape the future of our planet - and it's one that won't be decided by the president alone.
The latest move from President Donald Trump - asking about global warming during a brutal winter storm - is just the tip of the iceberg. The president has been waging a war on climate data, purging government websites and initiatives that support climate science, and even yanking the US out of the Paris Climate Change Agreement for a second time.
But scientists are resisting this effort to erase climate data from public view. In response, they're banding together with nonprofit organizations like Climate Central to save vital information and secure funding from alternative sources.
"We don't have a ton of extra bandwidth to take on new projects or try to build things that have taken years to build for the federal government," said Kristina Dahl, vice president for science at Climate Central. "But something like the billion-dollar disasters dataset is key data that many people rely on across different sectors."
The Trump administration's attacks on climate science have had a devastating impact on research initiatives and funding. But scientists are adapting by using alternative platforms to share their work, such as peer-reviewed journals and independent websites.
"This is not just about saving our own projects," said Dahl. "It's about having access to the data and information that many people rely on to understand climate change."
The transfer of sovereignty over climate research from public agencies to nonprofits has raised concerns about accountability and transparency. But scientists say it's also an opportunity for more nuanced, actionable research.
"We should strive to build a science infrastructure or a scientific foundation for this country that is responsive to the needs of the U.S. population," said Janice Lachance, CEO of the American Geophysical Union.
For climate researchers, the stakes are high. The data they collect and share has the power to inform policy decisions, prevent disasters, and protect public health.
As the Trump administration continues its assault on climate science, scientists are fighting back with every tool at their disposal. It's a battle that will shape the future of our planet - and it's one that won't be decided by the president alone.