Summary
The Trump administration plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado. This has raised concerns among weather experts that it might affect weather forecasting due to its crucial role in climate and weather research. The administration claims essential functions will move elsewhere, but critics warn it could impact the ability to predict severe weather.
Key Facts
- NCAR is a federal research center in Boulder, Colorado focused on climate and weather studies.
- The Trump administration plans to break up NCAR, describing it as a source of "climate alarmism."
- Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought announced the decision to change NCAR's structure.
- Key weather research and supercomputing functions will be transferred to other places or entities.
- Budget cuts earlier this year affected agencies like NOAA and NWS, causing concerns about inadequate storm forecasting.
- Criticism from the White House included claims of NCAR being a hub for unnecessary climate research.
- The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) manages NCAR and expressed concern about the impact of these plans.
- Weather experts worry that dismantling NCAR could slow improvements in weather forecasting significantly.
