Scientific Societies Respond to NCA Uncertainty

After the Trump administration dismissed nearly 400 scientists working on the congressionally mandated National Climate Assessment (NCA), the American Meteorological Society and the American Geophysical Union announced a collaborative effort to produce a special peer-reviewed collection focused on climate change impacts. This initiative aims to maintain scientific progress and ensure the public and policymakers continue to have access to vital climate research, as the future of the NCA—usually released every four years—faces uncertainty due to administrative actions and budget cuts. The societies stress that their collection is not a replacement for the NCA but serves as a supplemental resource for ongoing climate science. Experts note the NCA's critical role in projecting long-term climate impacts and supporting infrastructure and disaster planning. The societies' move highlights the scientific community's commitment to accessible, up-to-date research despite political challenges. Their collaboration seeks to bolster societal resilience by making climate data widely available.