American Meteorological Society responds to NSF regarding the future of NCAR

AMS response warns of “severe consequences” to weather research and innovation should the National Center for Atmospheric Research be rapidly dismantled

2026-03-12

(Press-News.org) The American Meteorological Society, the United States professional society for weather, water, and climate, has submitted an official response to the National Science Foundation’s Dear Colleague Letter requesting information and feedback about restructuring science and observing facilities associated with the National Center for Atmospheric Research, which the Trump Administration has proposed to “dismantle.” The comment deadline is 13 March.

The response outlines numerous ways that NCAR plays a central role in atmospheric and related sciences across the U.S. and the world, emphasizes that losing NCAR’s integrated and innovative leadership would be disastrous for the sciences and the public that depends on them, and suggests that any alterations to NCAR must be well-planned and fully consider the consequences.

The Executive Summary of AMS’s response reads as follows:

“The breakup of NCAR will harm meteorological research and innovation in the United States with severe consequences to current and future efforts of the weather enterprise to protect life, property, and the nation’s economy. NCAR is a centerpiece of innovation for the U.S. atmospheric sciences community. A proposed breakup without carefully weighing the pros and cons of options slows progress in the field, thus undermining U.S. leadership in understanding the Earth system and its impact in the long run. Rather than dismantling NCAR, AMS recommends that the NSF engage in a rigorous, open, and systematic process to develop a strategy and plan to enhance relevant scientific innovation in the weather, water, and climate enterprise. This should include a central role for NCAR to continue serving the nation’s needs for the weather enterprise under the broader Earth System Science and its applications.”

The multi-page document notes that “NCAR is the intellectual center of the American atmospheric sciences community, and its loss would undermine U.S. leadership in this important scientific domain. It is inconceivable that the United States could enhance its ability to provide the needed environmental information and forecasts without an entity such as a well-integrated NCAR. Any restructuring of NCAR on the part of NSF needs to consider adverse effects on the interconnection/partnership between NCAR and the government, academic, and private sectors it works with.”

Read the full response here.

View additional AMS responses to the proposed dismantlement of NCAR.

Hear more from the AMS community about NCAR’s importance and impact:

Responding to Threats against NCAR

Classrooms to Tornadoes: How NCAR Impacts Our Work

About the American Meteorological Society The American Meteorological Society advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of around 10,000+ professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes 12 atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic science journals, in print and online; sponsors more than 12 conferences annually; and offers numerous programs and services. Visit us at https://www.ametsoc.org/.

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American Meteorological Society responds to NSF regarding the future of NCAR

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