The US administration has a new climate change office. It’s headed by a climate critic

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The Trump administration has reconstituted the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), the federal body responsible for coordinating climate research and producing the National Climate Assessment, after restructuring it last year
• The program is now led by Matthew Wielicki, a former academic who has publicly criticised aspects of mainstream climate science

🔭 The context: The National Climate Assessment is a congressionally mandated report that evaluates how climate change affects U.S. infrastructure, ecosystems, public health and the economy
• Previous assessments have drawn on hundreds of peer-reviewed studies to inform federal planning, investment decisions and climate risk management

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Reliable climate data and scientific assessments are essential for understanding climate impacts and guiding emissions reduction and adaptation strategies
• Changes to how governments evaluate climate risks could influence future decisions on energy, infrastructure and environmental policy

⏭️ What’s next: The reconstituted USGCRP is expected to prepare the next National Climate Assessment, with details on methodology, contributors and scientific review processes still emerging
• The administration has indicated it wants a different approach to previous reports, while critics warn that scientific independence could be affected

💬 One quote: “The real risk here is the loss of integrity of the federal government.” – Michael Kuperberg, former USGCRP executive director

📈 One stat: The USGCRP coordinates climate research across more than a dozen federal agencies

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