What the US Would Lose If It Eliminates the National Center for Atmospheric Research
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, is facing potential closure amid political disputes, raising concerns about the future of climate and atmospheric science in the U.S. Experts, including a former NASA chief scientist, warn that eliminating NCAR would result in significant scientific and societal losses without justification. The closure could undermine critical research on weather, climate change, and environmental forecasting that supports public safety and policy.
- ▪The National Center for Atmospheric Research is a major U.S. climate research institution located in Boulder, Colorado.
- ▪NCAR is under threat of closure due to political tensions between the Trump administration and the state of Colorado.
- ▪A former NASA chief scientist stated there is 'no good reason' for dismantling NCAR.
- ▪NCAR contributes to vital research on weather prediction, climate modeling, and extreme event forecasting.
- ▪Eliminating NCAR could weaken national preparedness for natural disasters and climate impacts.
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Science What the US Would Lose If It Eliminates the National Center for Atmospheric Research “I think there's a great loss for the wrong reasons. There's no good reason for dismantling this or tearing it down,” a former NASA chief scientist says. Interview by Steve Curwood, Living on EarthMay 16, 2026 Share This Article Republish <img width="2500" height="1667" src="https://insideclimatenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/GettyImages-2252392396.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full wp-post-image" alt="The National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo.
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