U.S. Government Moves To Break Up Leading Climate Research Center Amid 'Climate Alarmism' Claim

The White House announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a major U.S. climate and atmospheric research institution based in Boulder, Colorado. The move, announced on social media by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, was justified by administration officials as a response to what they described as "climate alarmism."

What the Administration Says

Russ Vought said NCAR will be "broken up" and that functions deemed "vital," such as weather research, would be transferred "to another entity or location." The announcement cited concerns about the center's role in communicating climate science to the public.

Scientists and Officials Sound Alarms

News outlet USA Today reported the decision and said steps to begin dismantling NCAR would start immediately. Scientists and administrators have warned the move could weaken national capacity for climate research, weather forecasting and disaster preparedness.

"Breaking up the laboratory would result in a major loss of scientific research," said Kevin Trenberth, a distinguished NCAR scientist and honorary academic in physics at the University of Auckland.

Antonio Busalacchi, president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), which oversees NCAR, told reporters any plan to dismantle the National Science Foundation–funded NCAR would set back the nation's ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to severe weather and other natural disasters.

Local And Political Reactions

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, said he had not been briefed by White House officials and warned that eliminating or relocating NCAR's capabilities could put public safety at risk. "NCAR provides data on severe weather events that help our country save lives and property," Polis said.

Background And Context

NCAR was established in 1960 as a federally supported center for atmospheric research and education. It is managed by UCAR and receives principal funding from the National Science Foundation. The center has produced widely used climate models, observational analyses and forecasting tools that support academic research, government agencies and emergency management.

The announcement comes amid broader policy changes by the administration affecting climate and clean energy programs. Critics say dismantling or dispersing NCAR's work could damage U.S. scientific leadership and reduce capabilities that underpin weather forecasting and climate resilience.

What Happens Next

Details remain limited: officials have not released a formal plan, timeline or a list of which programs would be moved or terminated. NCAR, UCAR and multiple scientists have called for consultation and transparency as the process proceeds.