Trump’s climate-related research restrictions impacting global scientific progress – Scientists

By Abdullahi Lukman

The Trump administration’s efforts to undermine climate-related research have extended beyond domestic borders, disrupting scientific work both in the U.S. and internationally.

Amid his administration’s environmental rollback, President Donald Trump’s administration has withdrawn grants, altered research materials, and imposed funding freezes on scientific projects that reference “climate” or other associated terms.

Researchers have reported that grants containing “climate change” have been pulled unless the titles are adjusted to exclude the term.

One environmental scientist in the western U.S. recounted that their Department of Transportation (DoT) grant for climate adaptation was only retained after they reworded the project title to avoid reference to climate.

The scientist, who requested anonymity, expressed concern over the political influence on science, stressing that bias could be introduced if researchers are forced to avoid certain terminology.

The administration’s approach is evident in changes to educational materials as well.

The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center at the University of Hawaii has been instructed to remove mentions of “climate change” and related terms such as “diversity, equity, and inclusion” from its course content.

In an internal email, administrators noted these alterations align with the Trump administration’s new priorities.

This trend extends beyond U.S. borders, with significant impacts on the Fulbright exchange program.

The University of Helsinki’s Chancellor, Kaarle Hämeri, reported that descriptions for Fulbright grants have been altered to remove references to “climate change” and “equitable societies.”

Hämeri stated that one of his university’s grants was withdrawn as a result. The changes to the program are being seen in other countries involved in the exchange as well, raising concerns about the global impact of the U.S.’s shifting priorities.

At the National Science Foundation (NSF), a federal agency supporting scientific research, staff are reviewing active projects for compliance with the administration’s ban on words such as “equality” and “biased.”

NSF, which recently laid off 10% of its workforce, has yet to comment on whether climate-related terms are also included in the ban.

Despite a court order demanding the freeze be reversed, many federal agencies have placed millions of dollars in scientific research on hold, causing uncertainty within the scientific community.

The withdrawal of support for climate research is not only a political issue but one that jeopardizes public health and safety, according to Jennifer Jones, director of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

She criticized the administration for dismantling scientific progress in favor of oil and gas industry interests, warning that such actions could lead to a regression in environmental protections.

Jones also pointed out the troubling trend in states like Florida, where climate change discussions are prohibited.

Joanne Carney, Chief Government Affairs Officer at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, warned that the administration’s actions could dissuade young scientists from pursuing research careers, slowing advancements in fields critical to national security and environmental policy.

The current climate of fear surrounding climate-related work in the U.S. could ultimately hinder the country’s ability to maintain its leadership in global science and technology, leaving it vulnerable to its adversaries.