The American Geophysical Union’s annual meeting is the world’s largest conference of climate scientists, and this year it is taking place in Washington, D.C. just weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Scientists at the conference are expressing concern about the potential impact of the new administration on their work, as Trump has previously called climate change a hoax and has expressed skepticism about the role of human activity in causing it.
Many scientists fear that the Trump administration could cut funding for climate research, leading to layoffs and a decrease in the amount of research being conducted. They also worry that the new administration could censor or suppress their findings, as happened during Trump’s first term when federal websites removed references to climate change.
The location of the conference in Washington, D.C. adds to the anxiety, as it serves as a reminder of the impending change in leadership and the potential impact on climate research. The conservative policy blueprint known as Project 2025, which calls for deep budget cuts and reorganizations of certain agencies, has also raised concerns among scientists.
While the Trump transition team has stated that Project 2025 does not represent their views, many scientists are still worried about the potential consequences of the new administration’s policies. The impact of these changes could be significant, as climate research plays a crucial role in informing policies and regulations aimed at addressing climate change and protecting public health.