Ex-NOAA staffers rebuild Climate.gov — without the government
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Former NOAA staffers have launched an independent climate website to replace Climate.gov after the Trump administration shuttered the federal site.
Why it matters: Climate.us keeps climate data and analysis publicly available as the administration makes cuts to staffing and funding that are reshaping federal science agencies.
The latest: Climate.us launched Tuesday, re-creating much of the content and functionality previously available on Climate.gov.
- In a launch announcement, organizers said the site will operate as a nonpartisan source for climate change data and analysis.
What they're saying: "Trusted climate information should not disappear when politics change," said Rebecca Lindsey, managing director of Climate.us and a former NOAA employee laid off last year.
- "Climate.us is building an independent, durable platform so people can continue to find the data and information they need to understand and talk about climate, and to teach, report, plan, prepare, and make informed decisions."
State of play: Climate.gov was effectively shuttered last June after the Commerce Department laid off hundreds of NOAA employees.
- The Climate.us URL now redirects to another NOAA website.
- Yes, but: Climate.us organizers say some information previously available through Climate.gov can no longer be accessed.
How it works: The new service is not an official U.S. government website.
- It is funded through a nonprofit housed at Multiplier, an organization that fiscally sponsors and supports public-interest initiatives. Climate.us says it's raised about $250,000 from more than 2,500 small-dollar donors.
- More than 80 scientists have volunteered as subject matter expert reviewers.
Between the lines: Trump in his second term has cut staffing and funding at a number of federal labs, including several in Boulder County.
Threat level: Trump officials have criticized some federal climate research as "climate alarmism."
- Many scientists argue the work conducted at those labs is critical for forecasting hazards and protecting public safety.
What's next: Climate.us "marks a shift from rescue work to long-term public service," the site reads.
- Organizers said that as they gather more resources and support, they'll work with scientific experts to continue to turn climate data into meaningful action.