Trump administration removes climate information from federal websites

The Trump administration has begun deleting climate science information from federal websites, raising concerns among scientists and watchdog groups about restricted access to critical data.

Bob Berwyn reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • The White House, NASA and the State Department have removed or altered climate-related content from their websites, making it harder to access scientific reports.
  • A federal research scientist lost funding for a project on air pollution after the State Department issued stop-work orders.
  • Watchdog groups fear further suppression of scientific data and interference with research under Trump's policies.

Key quote:

“When you sideline science, it can cost lives and I think we are seeing that with the gag order on health agencies.”

— Darya Minovi, senior analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists Center for Science and Democracy

Why this matters:

When climate science is removed or buried from public view, the consequences reach far beyond a single country’s borders. Transparency is undermined, making it harder for researchers to verify data or build on previous findings. The loss of easily accessible climate information can also weaken international collaboration, as scientists across the globe rely on U.S. government agencies like NASA, NOAA and the EPA to share critical data on rising temperatures, extreme weather and carbon emissions.

Related: EPA staff brace for potential departures amid Trump’s return

a purple and green background with intertwined circles

OpenAI’s new energy chief is a Trump administration natural gas evangelist

The ChatGPT creator hired John McCarrick, a gas-loving former Trump energy official, to guide how the company will source huge quantities of power for its colossal supercomputers.
An aerial view of the Pentagon building in Washington, DC

Pentagon retreats from climate fight even as heat and storms slam troops

For decades, the military treated climate change as a threat. Now it’s backing away from plans to protect people and bases from extreme weather.
A person standing at an outdoor kiosk which sells oysters

Wild oysters make a comeback in Maine

After more than a century, these shellfish have reappeared in Damariscotta River. Their return is a boon—and a warning of a changing climate.
A black man installing solar panels on a roof on a sunny day

Europe pledges $600 million for clean energy projects in Africa

The European Union has pledged more than half a billion dollars to fund renewable energy and electrification projects in Africa, aiming to expand access to electricity while countering China’s growing influence on the continent.

Green trees on one side of the road and deforested brown land with bare earth and cut timber on the other.

‘Dismal’ health of world’s forests is threat to humanity, report warns

Financial institutions pouring money into land clearance and undermining efforts to stop destruction, says Climate Focus.

a large cargo ship in the water with a large crane in the background.

Nations meet to consider regulations to drive a green transition in shipping

Maritime nations are gathering in London to discuss regulations aimed at reducing shipping emissions.
a group of wind turbines on top of a forested hill with dark clouds in background.

Climate investment is only growth opportunity of 21st century, says leading economist

Lord Stern says fossil-fuelled growth is futile as the damage it causes ends in economic self-destruction.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.