ENVIRONMENT

U.S. moves to dismantle premier climate research center

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Left 17%

Center 67%

Right 17%

Sources: 6

60-Second Summary

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced on Dec. 16 it will dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, citing concerns about "climate alarmism," OMB Director Russ Vought said on X. Officials said a comprehensive review will move any "vital" activities to other entities, and moves to break up NCAR, including potential closure of the Mesa Laboratory, will begin immediately, according to reports. Scientists, university officials and Colorado Governor Jared Polis warned the plan would disrupt weather and climate research. UCAR said it received no detailed information about the proposal. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

About this summary

This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 6 original reports from The Straits Times, Inside The Star-Studded World, The Korea Times, The Daily Press, Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH) and thesun.my.

Timeline of Events

1960: National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is founded in Boulder, Colorado.
16 Dec 2024: OMB Director Russ Vought posts that NCAR is 'one of the largest sources of climate alarmism' and announces a review.
16–17 Dec 2024: USA Today reports plans may include fully closing NCAR's Mesa Laboratory and that moves will begin immediately.
17 Dec 2024: Scientists (including Kevin Trenberth), UCAR officials and Governor Jared Polis warn of research and forecasting disruptions.
17–18 Dec 2024: UCAR states it received no detailed information and calls for clarity on how vital activities will be preserved or relocated.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 4

Who Benefited

The administration framed the review as allowing 'vital' NCAR activities to be moved to other entities, which could benefit agencies or contractors that assume those functions, according to the OMB statement that activities may be relocated.

Who Suffered

NCAR researchers, affiliated scientists, and communities relying on NCAR forecasting and climate research could lose institutional capacity and face disruptions, a concern raised by scientists, UCAR and Colorado officials in media statements.

Expert Opinion

After reading and researching latest news, the administration's announced review of NCAR on Dec. 16 targets a federally funded center founded in 1960; officials said vital weather research may be relocated, while scientists and UCAR warn the change would disrupt forecasting and climate science.

Media Bias