Home / Environment / Climate Research Centers Face Funding Freeze
Climate Research Centers Face Funding Freeze
24 Nov
Summary
- Federal funding for climate adaptation research centers was proposed to be zeroed out.
- Three regional centers lost funding despite Congressional appropriation.
- Resource managers and the public advocate for reinstated funding for vital research.
Federal funding for the U.S. Geological Survey's Climate Adaptation Science Centers, vital for climate adaptation research, has been significantly impacted. The proposed federal budget for spring 2025 aimed to eliminate funding for these nine regional centers, which support fish, wildlife, water, land, and people in adapting to climate shifts. Three specific centers faced funding blocks, leading to threats of layoffs for federal workers.
Despite these setbacks, there is hope for the continuation of this work. Both the U.S. House and Senate have proposed budgets that would fully fund the Climate Adaptation Science Centers. This renewed support stems from consistent advocacy from natural resource managers and the public, who recognize the importance of the centers' projects, such as ensuring sustainable water supplies in arid lands, developing agricultural solutions, and managing invasive species.
The loss of funding has stalled critical research, including projects in south-central Texas for water management, O'ahu for agroforestry and fire protection, and the Northeast for invasive species control. These projects directly benefit local communities and national resilience, highlighting the vulnerability Americans face when such essential research is halted.
