Scientists worldwide pledge to support U.S. colleagues facing political attacks on climate research
More than 18,000 researchers gathered in Austria to discuss climate science and vow solidarity amid increasing political pressure and funding cuts in the U.S.
Bob Berwyn reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- At the European Geosciences Union conference in Vienna, global science leaders condemned political interference and pledged to aid U.S. scientists affected by the Trump administration’s anti-science policies.
- The American Geophysical Union and the American Meteorological Society are working together to maintain climate assessments and are legally challenging staffing cuts at U.S. federal science agencies.
- Scientists are experiencing significant emotional and professional stress, with some considering moving abroad due to suppressed research funding and travel restrictions.
Key quote:
“If you love freedom, come and do research here.”
— Emmanuel Macron, President of France
Why this matters:
Political suppression of science not only hampers the ability to develop effective policies but also erodes public trust in evidence-based decision-making. The current political climate in the U.S. is leading to reduced funding, mass firings, and restricted communication for scientists, particularly those in federal agencies. These actions stifle innovation and deter young scientists from entering the field or continuing their careers domestically, potentially creating a “brain drain.” Suppressing climate science is especially dangerous as it delays responses to global warming’s accelerating effects that threaten both ecosystems and human health worldwide. International collaboration and solidarity maintain the flow of critical environmental data and help ensure that scientific inquiry remains open and resilient in the face of political adversity.
Read more: Opinion: Scientists stand ready to lead — but will governments follow?
