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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The Trump administration has cancelled $4 million in federal climate research funding at Princeton University, citing concerns over "climate anxiety" among youth
• The administration claims the projects exaggerate climate threats and are “misaligned” with government priorities
• In parallel, it terminated a longstanding contract supporting the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), a move that could jeopardize the upcoming National Climate Assessment, a major scientific report mandated by Congress
🔭 The context: The targeted programs include Princeton’s Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System, a major NOAA-affiliated hub producing climate forecasts and research critical to understanding
• Earth’s water cycle, atmospheric changes, and long-term warming trends
• The USGCRP coordinates climate research across 15 federal agencies and supports the quadrennial National Climate Assessment
• Staff cuts, especially of ICF International contractors, effectively halt its operations at a time of mounting climate risks
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: These moves undermine the U.S. scientific infrastructure essential for understanding and responding to climate change
• Experts warn that cancelling research won’t reduce public concern—it will simply limit public access to reliable data
• The suppression of educational and forecasting tools not only hampers scientific progress but also impedes climate adaptation strategies in agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness across the country
⏭️ What's next: With federal support withdrawn, leading climate scientists warn of cascading impacts on national and international research cooperation
• The next National Climate Assessment—scheduled for 2027 or 2028—is now at risk, weakening the U.S. position in global climate discourse and policy
• Universities, states, and NGOs may step in to fill research gaps, but face financial and logistical barriers without federal coordination
💬 One quote: “The answer to rising levels of climate anxiety is to meet the moment with robust and durable evidence-based solutions—not to stick our heads in the sand,” - Kim Cobb, Director of the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society
📈 One stat: 75% of the USGCRP staff were supported by a contract now cancelled—casting doubt on the completion of the next National Climate Assessment
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