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

Coal-fired power station, Victoria, Australia

‘This is not normal’: Trump leans on MAGA organizer to revive coal

The Energy Department is giving millions to a company partially led by a far-right activist and telecom executive to build the nation’s first coal-fired power plant since 2013.

Wind farm on what appears to be high plains with cattle grazing and resting beneath turbines.

Pentagon foot-dragging blocks wind farms, lawsuit says

A coalition of renewable energy groups is suing Pentagon officials over their failure to complete national security reviews for new onshore wind farms on private lands.
Two divers investigating coral amidst schools of reef fish

As global warming threatens corals worldwide, Woods Hole scientists search for ‘super reefs’ that can take the heat

If protected, researchers say these coral strongholds may help repopulate more degraded reefs across the Central Pacific.
Solar panels deployed on roof of massive warehouses or data centers

In Alabama, opposition to renewable solar energy joins a data center battle

Tuesday’s runoff for a slot on the Alabama Public Service Commission has a familiar ring to it, with talk of data centers and electricity costs. But in a southern twist, solar power has joined the list of villains.
Rendered image representative of the internal electronics of a commercial data center

Sucked in. The gaping maw that feeds AI mania

Data centres gobble vast capital, land, water and energy while forcing locals to endure ‘heat islands.’ Who voted for this?
Outdoor air quality sensors
Credit: Pixel B/BigStock Photo ID: 211018819

Trump’s EPA unlawfully cancelled environmental justice grants, judge rules

The decision voided the EPA guidance to terminate the $2.8 billion grant program. But it stopped short of requiring the agency to resume administering it.
Large, white, flat-roofed data center or data warehouse

Most battleground House districts have data centers on the way

As politicians from city councils to Washington fight over data centers, campaigns are navigating the backlash.
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.