The Trump administration's controversial decision to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado has sparked outrage among meteorologists and climate scientists. This move threatens to disrupt decades of groundbreaking research and innovation in weather and climate science, which has been instrumental in keeping Americans safe and protecting the nation's infrastructure and economy. William Brangham discusses the implications with climate scientist Kim Cobb and meteorologist Matthew Cappucci.
Kim Cobb, a climate scientist and director of the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, emphasizes the historical significance of NCAR. Founded in 1960, it has become a cornerstone of atmospheric science, providing unique facilities like supercomputers and specialized aircraft, as well as a dedicated staff of over 800 experts. These resources have enabled groundbreaking discoveries, such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which helps us understand hurricane behavior, and the development of tools like dropsondes for hurricane research.
Matthew Cappucci, a senior meteorologist at MyRadar, echoes the importance of NCAR. He highlights the center's role in creating essential tools for meteorologists, including a system to prevent wind shear during airplane landings. Cappucci expresses concern about the potential disruption of critical weather modeling and forecasting capabilities if NCAR is dismantled.
Brangham delves into the political implications, noting the Trump administration's criticism of NCAR's climate research as 'climate alarmism.' Kim Cobb counters that the center's work is non-partisan, focusing on scientific inquiry. She warns that politicizing climate science undermines the nation's ability to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Cappucci agrees, expressing worry about the demonization of science and academia. He argues that the administration's decision is shortsighted and could have negative consequences for its own supporters, as weather and climate impacts are felt across all political divides. The interview concludes with a sense of urgency, emphasizing the need to preserve NCAR's vital contributions to scientific understanding and public safety.
