UN 
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a cornerstone of climate science and atmospheric research in the United States, is at risk of elimination, raising alarms across the scientific and environmental communities. Based in Boulder, Colorado, NCAR has played a pivotal role for decades in assessing climate risks and informing national and global response strategies to the accelerating impacts of climate change.
In a recent interview with public radio’s environmental news magazine Living on Earth, former NASA chief scientist Waleed Abdalati emphasized the critical value of NCAR’s work. He highlighted the center’s unique capacity to combine cutting-edge atmospheric research with advanced climate modeling, which has underpinned countless policy decisions and scientific advancements. Abdalati warned that dismantling the federally funded institution would undermine the United States’ leadership in climate science at a moment when precise data and modeling are urgently needed.
NCAR’s contributions extend beyond research; the center serves as a hub for collaboration among scientists worldwide, fostering innovation in understanding complex atmospheric phenomena. Its work supports the global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), by providing the scientific foundation for sustainable environmental policies and technological progress.
Eliminating NCAR could also slow critical advancements in weather prediction, extreme event forecasting, and climate risk assessment, which are vital for disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts. These capabilities are crucial for protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Experts argue that cutting NCAR funding would be a short-sighted decision that compromises scientific integrity and environmental resilience. As climate challenges intensify, maintaining robust, federally supported research centers like NCAR is essential to inform evidence-based policy and global climate action efforts. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the future of this indispensable institution.
