The Trump administration says it plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a federally funded research hub based in Colorado that supports weather and climate research used in forecasting and disaster preparedness. White House budget director Russell Vought criticized the lab as a source of “climate alarmism,” while also saying the administration will review NCAR’s work and move any “vital activities such as weather research” elsewhere. Scientists and research advocates warn the move could disrupt widely shared tools, data, and computing that many researchers rely on, potentially affecting the accuracy and pace of improvements in forecasting extreme weather. The National Science Foundation (NSF), which established NCAR, says it will seek feedback as it considers how to “rescop” functions currently performed by the center.

Highlights:

• Forecasting legacy: NCAR has been instrumental for decades in improving models that help predict extreme events like hurricanes, and its work underpins widely used forecasting tools such as consumer weather apps.
• Hands-on measurements: NCAR researchers also study atmospheric pollution—including wildfire smoke—using aircraft observations, research that can inform public-health protections during hazardous air events.
• Scientific workforce: Experts cited in coverage say shutting down the center could drive scientists to relocate to other countries, as researchers look for stable funding and infrastructure to continue climate and atmospheric work.
• Budget politics: The administration’s NCAR plan has also become entangled with Capitol Hill negotiations, with reporting describing it as a factor that disrupted a Senate funding deal.
• Local response: Colorado outlets have reported that NCAR and supporters in Boulder intend to fight the closure, highlighting the lab’s regional importance as well as its scientific role.

This facility is one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country - Russell Vought

Perspectives:

• White House Office of Management and Budget: Russell Vought argues NCAR promotes “climate alarmism” and says the administration will review its work, relocating any essential weather research functions. (The New York Times)
• National Science Foundation: NSF says it remains committed to providing world-class infrastructure for weather modeling and other critical functions and will solicit feedback while it considers how to restructure work currently done at NCAR. (Grist)
• Climate and weather researchers: Scientists warn that dismantling NCAR would harm climate research and disrupt shared data, modeling, and supercomputing capacity used by researchers worldwide. (New Scientist)
• Public-safety advocates and commentators: Commentary argues the public could face higher risk if NCAR’s capabilities fragment, because its research has supported better forecasts for dangerous weather and air-quality threats. (PBS NewsHour)

Sources:

• The Real Reason Trump Is Dismantling the Research Center That Helps Keeps You Safe From Extreme Weather - reddit.com
• Closure of US institute will do immense harm to climate research - newscientist.com
• National Center for Atmospheric Research to Be Dismantled, Trump Administration Says - nytimes.com
• We’re all at risk if Trump dismantles this legendary lab - grist.org
• Trump move to dismantle climate agency blows up Senate funding deal - thehill.com - google.com
• Trump administration moves to dismantle national climate research lab in Colorado - pbs.org