Amidst a Year of Turmoil: Science Faces Unprecedented Challenges
As 2025 draws to a close, the scientific community reflects on a turbulent year marked by significant challenges and setbacks. The prevailing theme has been the ongoing assault on science and expertise, a trend that shows no signs of abating as we approach 2026.
The early months of the year saw the Trump administration implement a funding freeze, sending shockwaves through scientific institutions. Climate scientist Adam Sobel cautioned in February that the administration’s actions might jeopardize “a century of American scientific dominance” (source).
In a matter of weeks, critical datasets were removed from federal websites, including the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. Nevertheless, volunteers have stepped in to create unofficial versions to preserve access to these vital resources.
The administration has attempted to distinguish between “vital” weather research and the “globalist climate agenda” (source). Despite this, meteorologist John Morales warned of potential risks, stating that cuts to the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could lead to missed forecasts for severe storms (source). Supporting this concern, Cornell researchers argued that NOAA and NWS activities are integral to one-third of the US GDP, with every dollar spent yielding $73 in returns (source).
The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment notably excluded climate change, a first in 11 years. Peter Gleick criticized this omission, asserting that ignoring climate risks does not mitigate their reality or impact on national security (source).
In November, the National Security Strategy echoed this sentiment, dismissing climate change concerns. Alexandra Bell of the Bulletin highlighted the global implications, noting the absence of US leadership could result in the loss of ecosystems, economic resources, and human lives (source).
The global nature of climate science cannot be overstated. Threats to the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawai’i, crucial for the Keeling Curve data, have worldwide consequences. Eric Morgan and Ralph Keeling warned that without accurate monitoring, the climate research community would struggle to track carbon dioxide levels (source).
The repercussions of these policies are already evident. Chad Small, a former Bulletin climate fellow, described how funding cuts are stifling the careers of aspiring scientists. He noted a significant drop in PhD student enrollments at the University of Washington (source).
Moreover, proposed terminations of over 40 NASA missions, including at least 14 Earth science projects, threaten to hinder future climate monitoring and enforcement efforts (source).
The administration’s decisions culminated in December with an announcement that the National Science Foundation would dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado (source).
Benjamin Santer and David Thompson encapsulated the situation, describing the current state as chaotic and rife with disinformation: “In today’s United States of America, chaos and disinformation are the new normal, and attacks on science and democratic principles spew from the same ideological fount” (source).
Despite the challenges, the Bulletin has continued to cover critical environmental stories. Notable articles include:
Ticking Time Bogs: How to Save a Vast Archive of Human History—and a Vital Carbon Sink
By Frances Mack
The Sagebrush Rebel Revival
By Dustin Mulvaney
A Perfect Firestorm: The Social, Political, and Climate Forces that Keep Athens Burning
By Jessica McKenzie
Original Story at thebulletin.org