The decision by the Trump administration to shut down the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is causing concern among scientists and climate experts. NCAR, a world-leading research center for atmospheric science, plays a crucial role in weather forecasting, climate modeling, and providing essential data for decision-making on climate change.
Established in 1960, NCAR has been at the forefront of atmospheric science, with a team of 830 employees conducting research from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core. The center’s contributions range from developing advanced weather models to inventing innovative technologies like the GPS dropsonde for studying hurricanes.
One of NCAR’s key roles is providing data, modeling, and supercomputing resources to support climate research worldwide. Its Weather Research and Forecasting Model and Community Earth System Model are widely used for studying regional climates, carbon emissions, ocean currents, and other critical climate factors.
The closure of NCAR could have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only weather forecasting accuracy but also research on climate change impacts, extreme weather events, and the development of climate mitigation strategies. Scientists warn that without NCAR’s expertise and resources, our ability to predict and respond to climate-related challenges will be severely compromised.
The center’s aircraft research program, which includes a C-130 cargo plane and a Gulfstream jet for atmospheric studies, plays a crucial role in monitoring air pollution, studying aerosols, and conducting surveys of greenhouse gases like CO2. This research is essential for understanding the effects of geoengineering proposals aimed at mitigating climate change.
Scientists and climate experts emphasize the importance of continued support for research institutions like NCAR to ensure that we have the necessary tools and knowledge to address the growing threats of climate change. The decision to dismantle NCAR is seen as a setback for climate science and a missed opportunity to advance our understanding of the Earth’s complex climate system.
In conclusion, the closure of NCAR represents a significant loss for the scientific community and a setback in the fight against climate change. It underscores the importance of supporting research institutions that are critical for advancing our knowledge of the climate and developing effective strategies to mitigate its impacts.
