On December 17, 2025, the Trump administration announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), one of the nation’s leading institutions for climate and atmospheric science research. The decision, made by White House Budget Director Russ Vought, has stirred controversy, with the administration framing the move as a response to what it considers a “major source of climate alarmism.” In a social media post, Vought stated that some of NCAR’s functions, including weather research, would be reviewed for possible relocation under the oversight of the National Science Foundation.
NCAR, located in Boulder, Colorado, has long been a critical institution in the United States, supporting a wide range of research into severe weather prediction, atmospheric dynamics, and climate science. The center is managed by a consortium of more than 130 universities and research institutions, and it provides crucial resources, including high-performance computing systems and research aircraft. It has played a pivotal role in advancing scientific understanding of climate trends and weather hazards, making it a vital asset to both researchers and policymakers.
The announcement has sparked strong reactions from climate scientists, state officials, and environmental advocates. Many have condemned the move, warning that dismantling NCAR could significantly weaken the U.S. government’s capacity to monitor and understand climate change and its associated impacts. Colorado Governor Jared Polis, in particular, emphasized the center’s importance in conducting vital public safety research related to severe weather events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. The center’s research has been integral in developing predictive models that help to protect communities from these increasingly common natural disasters.
The decision to dismantle NCAR also raises concerns about the potential disruption to ongoing climate research and its long-term implications for global climate policy. Experts argue that the loss of such a premier research facility would hinder efforts to monitor climate change, making it more difficult to develop effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. The move could also undermine U.S. leadership in the international scientific community, as NCAR’s research has been instrumental in shaping global climate models and forecasting weather-related hazards.
While the Trump administration’s decision is seen as part of its broader efforts to reduce government spending on climate-related initiatives, critics argue that the move ignores the growing urgency of addressing climate change and the need for robust scientific infrastructure to tackle its challenges. The dismantling of NCAR could have far-reaching consequences for the future of climate research in the U.S., potentially diminishing the country’s ability to respond to one of the most pressing issues of our time.
As the plan moves forward, many in the scientific community are calling for a reevaluation of the decision, stressing that the work done at NCAR is essential for public safety, environmental protection, and global scientific collaboration. The debate over the center’s future highlights the tension between political priorities and the need for comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to addressing climate change and its far-reaching impacts.
