Scientists Push Back Against Trump's Climate Data Censorship with New Information Portals

Climate Scientists Defy Trump's Censorship Efforts with New Climate Information Portals In a bold move to counter the Trump administration's attempts to suppress climate data, thousands of scientists and allies have come together to launch their own climate information portals. The initiative, which includes the launch of Climate.us by former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers, aims to replicate public-oriented climate content from Climate.gov. According to Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, a NOAA scientist who worked on Climate.gov, "We're not just preserving data; we're making it more accessible than ever before." The new portals will provide the public with critical information on climate change, including research findings and data visualizations, that were previously available on federal websites now scrubbed by the administration. The Trump administration's budget cuts and firings of scientists have sparked widespread concern among climate experts. In response, researchers from around the world have joined forces to create a decentralized network of climate information portals. The American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the American Meteorological Society (AMS) are also launching a special Climate Collection to maintain momentum on the work already underway on a Congressionally mandated 6th National Climate Assessment. "We're not just preserving data; we're making it more accessible than ever before." - Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA scientist The new portals will provide critical information on climate change, including research findings and data visualizations. The initiative is a testament to the resilience of scientists in the face of censorship efforts. Background and Context In 2019, the Trump administration announced plans to cut funding for climate research and eliminate positions at federal agencies responsible for monitoring and reporting on climate change. The moves sparked widespread criticism from scientists and experts, who argued that suppressing climate data would undermine public understanding and decision-making. The launch of Climate.us and other portals is a response to these efforts, with researchers working together to preserve and share critical information on climate change. Additional Perspectives Dr. Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University, emphasized the importance of preserving climate data: "Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today, and it's essential that we have access to accurate and reliable information." The launch of these portals marks a significant shift in the way scientists engage with the public. By creating decentralized networks of climate information, researchers are taking control of their own narrative and ensuring that critical data remains accessible. Current Status and Next Developments Climate.us is currently live, with plans to expand its scope and content in the coming months. The AGU and AMS Climate Collection will also be launched soon, featuring a curated selection of studies on climate change. As the initiative continues to grow, researchers are working together to ensure that critical information remains accessible to the public. In a statement, Dr. Sullivan emphasized the importance of this effort: "We're not just preserving data; we're making it more accessible than ever before." *Reporting by Motherjones.*