ENVIRONMENT

Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle NCAR Climate Lab

Watch & Listen in 60 Seconds

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Left 9%

Center 73%

Right 18%

Sources: 11

60-Second Summary

Washington — The Trump administration announced this week that it will break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, citing concerns of "climate alarmism," OMB Director Russ Vought said on social media. USA Today reported the plan could include closing NCAR’s Mesa Laboratory, while UCAR said it had not received detailed briefings. The National Science Foundation opened a review of NCAR’s structure and will seek input from partners. Colorado’s U.S. senators blocked a funding package pending protections for NCAR. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

About this summary

This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 10 original reports from The Straits Times, The Colorado Sun, The Korea Times, The Daily Press, Inside The Star-Studded World, Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH), KTAR News, Axios, thesun.my and Internewscast Journal.

Timeline of Events

1960 — NCAR is founded in Boulder, Colorado as a federally funded research center.
Mid-December — OMB Director Russ Vought posts on X announcing plans to 'break up' NCAR, citing 'climate alarmism.'
Immediately after — USA Today reports the administration may fully close NCAR’s Mesa Laboratory.
Days later — The National Science Foundation announces a structural review and solicits stakeholder input.
Subsequently — Colorado Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper block a spending package pending language to protect NCAR funding.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

Private weather and research contractors, and institutions selected to absorb NCAR functions, could gain contracts, funding, and operational roles if the lab’s activities are relocated or outsourced.

Who Impacted

NCAR scientists, meteorologists, emergency managers and communities relying on NCAR models and observations would face disrupted research continuity, potential loss of institutional expertise, and degraded forecasting support during and after any breakup.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news.... Federal officials announced a review to break up NCAR; NSF opened structural review; congressional leaders have paused appropriations to protect funding. The dismantling risks disrupting operational weather forecasting research and data continuity; relocation of functions is planned but details and timelines remain unspecified.

Media Bias