Federal funding amounting to nearly $4 million has been withdrawn from a prominent climate research department at an Ivy League institution. The decision was made by the Trump administration, citing concerns that the program at Princeton University was fostering “climate anxiety” among students and youth. This funding cut affects research on critical topics such as sea level rise, coastal flooding, and global warming, which the White House claims exaggerate climate threats.
The funding removal impacts Princeton’s Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System, a partner of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This institute includes renowned meteorologist Syukuro Manabe, a Nobel laureate recognized for his work on climate change simulations. The U.S. Commerce Department, which oversees NOAA, justified the cuts by stating that Princeton’s collaboration promoted “exaggerated and implausible climate threats,” which they argue contribute to increasing “climate anxiety” among young Americans.
Programs losing federal support include a climate change educational initiative for students from kindergarten through high school and two separate five-year studies. One study focused on the implications of global warming on Earth’s water availability, while the other aimed to predict changes in rainfall and sea-level rise affecting coastal flooding. The Commerce Department emphasized that these projects no longer align with the administration’s priorities and that resources could be better allocated elsewhere. However, the department did not specify alternative uses for the $4 million previously allocated to Princeton.
In February, NOAA received orders to identify grants related to global warming and other topics targeted by the Trump administration’s executive orders. Princeton’s media relations office has not provided an immediate comment on the funding cut. Dr. Rick Spinrad, NOAA’s administrator during the Biden administration, highlighted the importance of Princeton’s climate forecasts, particularly for the agriculture, energy, and transportation sectors. He criticized the funding cut as detrimental to obtaining improved seasonal precipitation forecasts.
The decision to withdraw funding from Princeton aligns with broader objectives of the Trump administration, which include reducing support for climate research and cutting federal budgets and jobs. In addition, the White House announced the end of funding for the U.S. Global Change Research Program, a body responsible for producing key government climate reports. Concurrently, an executive order was signed to restrict states and cities from enforcing environmental protection laws, drawing criticism from advocates who labeled the move as “illegal” and “disgusting.”
Agencies like NOAA are among those most affected by the Trump administration’s restructuring initiatives, such as those led by the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge). Reports indicate that the agency has faced significant disruptions, including layoffs and urgent rehirings to retain essential personnel. Protests at NOAA’s headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, have voiced concerns that these cutbacks threaten crucial weather and climate data flow and jeopardize fisheries’ regulatory work aimed at preventing ocean over-exploitation.
In its final year, the Biden administration allocated approximately $220 million in federal grants for climate research, funding now at risk of elimination or reduction under Trump’s continued leadership.
Your Takeaway
The withdrawal of federal funding from Princeton University’s climate research department reflects a broader pattern of deprioritizing climate science under the Trump administration. This action may have far-reaching implications, particularly in fields such as agriculture, energy, and transportation, which rely on accurate climate forecasting to plan and mitigate risks. The shift in priorities could lead to gaps in critical climate data, potentially affecting public safety and economic planning.
Communities may face increased uncertainty in forecasting extreme weather events, impacting disaster preparedness and response strategies. The reduction in resources allocated to climate education and research could also hinder future advancements in understanding and addressing climate change. Without federal support, institutions like Princeton may struggle to maintain their research capabilities, affecting educational opportunities and scientific progress.
As environmental challenges continue to escalate worldwide, the retraction of funding for climate research could delay necessary actions to mitigate climate change’s impacts, posing long-term risks to both local and global communities. Individuals and policymakers must recognize the importance of sustained investment in climate science to ensure informed decision-making and sustainable development for future generations.