The National Climate Assessment, a crucial tool for disaster preparedness, faces an uncertain future due to the Trump administration’s decision to stop scientists working on the assessment. The consequences of losing this report could be severe, impacting the nation’s ability to track and respond to extreme weather events.
The sixth National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report that assesses the risks of climate change-related disasters, is facing an uncertain future.
The Trump administration’s decision to stop scientists working on the assessment has raised concerns about the nation’s ability to prepare for future extreme weather events.
Donald John Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York.
He is a businessman, television personality, and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
Trump graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics.
He took over his father's real estate company, which he expanded into a global brand.
Trump's presidential campaign focused on immigration reform, trade protectionism, and tax cuts.
He won the election despite controversy surrounding his policies and personal behavior.
The National Climate Assessment provides critical information to federal, state, and local governments, as well as private companies, on the impacts of climate change.
It assesses the risks of heat waves, droughts, storms, floods, and other disasters and how they might impact various sectors, including health, fisheries, energy, agriculture, and transportation.
The National Climate Assessment (NCA) is a comprehensive report on climate change impacts in the United States. Conducted by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, it assesses the current and future effects of climate change on various sectors, including ecosystems, human health, water resources, and infrastructure. The NCA provides critical information for policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to develop strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change. Released in 2018, the report highlights the 'urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy.'
The report is invaluable for making informed decisions about future planning, long-term decisions that may last 30 to 50 years.
Without it, there would be a gap in information provision for people who have to make decisions about future planning.
Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels.
Rising global temperatures lead to more frequent natural disasters, sea-level rise, and altered ecosystems.
According to NASA, 2020 was the hottest year on record globally, with temperatures 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels requires drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
The loss of the National Climate Assessment would have significant consequences for disaster preparedness and response.
It would also impact the nation’s ability to track and respond to extreme weather events, as other government-supported work is being curtailed.
Furthermore, the National Climate Assessment represents a centralized resource that brings different agencies in the government on the same page.
It provides a common definition of terms used to talk about disasters, ensuring that everyone is speaking the same language.
The decision by the Trump administration to stop working on the National Climate Assessment would also impact climate change research.
The report’s apparent demise comes as other government-supported work to track and respond to extreme weather is being curtailed.
This development raises concerns about the nation’s ability to stay informed about the impacts of climate change and make decisions about future planning.
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- sciencenews.org | Losing a key U.S. climate report would hurt future disaster prep
