2025 was tough for climate researchers as the U.S. cut science budgets, leaving experts scrambling to continue their work amid global warming.
2025 challenges for climate researchers
The year 2025 was difficult for researchers working on climate change, as significant changes in U.S. policy disrupted long-standing support for scientific research.U.S. policy shift impacts science funding
The United States, previously respected for its substantial investments in science, suddenly changed course. Shortly after the beginning of Donald Trump's second term, the government began cutting budgets allocated to scientific institutions.Funding cuts and job losses
Research grants were eliminated, amounting to several billion dollars, and thousands of federal employees were laid off, from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).Experts react to the changes
Everyone was "in shock," recalls Aparna Shrivastava, head of climate issues under the Biden administration. In private, she discussed with dozens of experts who had recently lost their jobs or funding but wanted to continue their work on the planet's rapid warming.Uncertainty and adaptation
The sudden nature of the budget cuts left them with few options. All were wondering what to do, says Aparna Shrivastava. Then the discussions eventually took place in person.Workshop brings experts together
In July 2026, during a workshop organized in Colorado by the Aspen Global Change Institute, climate researchers gathered to share ideas and strategies for continuing their work despite the challenges.Grist's role in climate reporting
Created in 1999, Grist is one of the oldest information sites dedicated to environmental issues in the United States. This independent media organization with an association status offers its content for free to alert the general public about the consequences of global warming in "all aspects of life."Collaborative journalism efforts
Its team, some 40 journalists spread across about 20 U.S. states, works in partnership with media such as The Salt Lake Tribune or the Associated Press (AP) agency, and has received numerous awards for its committed coverage of the climate crisis.
