NASA
Hiltzik: Why does Trump want to end climate research?
Why Does Trump Seek to Destroy NASA’s Climate Research?
Is NASA’s Climate Research on the Chopping Block?
In a move that has sparked controversy, former President Donald Trump has indicated interest in decommissioning NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCO) by burning them up in Earth’s atmosphere. These satellites have been instrumental in gathering crucial data on global warming and agricultural health. But what’s behind this decision, and what does it mean for climate science?
What’s Happening?
Former President Donald Trump has proposed the decommissioning of NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatories. This suggestion involves intentionally incinerating the satellites in the Earth’s atmosphere. The OCO satellites, also known as OCO-2 and OCO-3, provide valuable insights into carbon dioxide levels and global environmental changes.
Where Is It Happening?
The planned decommissioning will take place in Earth’s atmosphere. The discussions and controversy surrounding this decision are unfolding in the political and scientific communities across the United States.
When Did It Take Place?
These discussions emerged in the past few months, with rumors suggesting it was under consideration during Trump’s tenure. However, recent scinc reports intensified the debate again.
How Is It Unfolding?
- NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatories have provided critical data on global warming and crop health for years.
- Trump’s proposal to destroy these satellites has drawn sharp criticism from environmental scientists and advocates.
- Critics argue that this move could set back crucial climate research by years.
- NASA and other space agencies are also exploring ways to repurpose or extend the OCO missions.
Quick Breakdown
- OCO Satellites: Orbited Earth to monitor carbon dioxide levels and assess crop health.
- Trump’s Proposal: Involves intentionally deorbiting the satellites to burn them in the atmosphere.
- Scientific Impact: Destroying these satellites could significantly disrupt climate research.
Key Takeaways
The proposed destruction of NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatories is a contentious issue with significant implications for climate science. These satellites have been pivotal in understanding global warming, tracking carbon emissions, and assessing agricultural conditions. The decision to decommission them could hinder ongoing research efforts and impact future climate policies. The move highlights the intersection of politics and science, where decisions made by political figures can significantly alter the trajectory of scientific progress and environmental monitoring.
It’s like deciding to burn the library of Alexandria just to build a parking lot. What we lose isn’t just data; it’s a glimpse into our planet’s future.
“Destroying these satellites is a massive step backward. Climate data is irreplaceable, and losing it would be a detriment to our understanding of global environmental changes.”
– Sarah Reynolds, Environmental Scientist
Final Thought
The push to decommission NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatories raises critical questions about the relationship between politics and science. These satellites have been instrumental in providing data that informs global climate policies, and their destruction could have far-reaching consequences. As environmental challenges escalate, the decision to dismantle such critical tools seems counterproductive and could impede our ability to combat climate change effectively. The scientific community must advocate for the continuation of these missions to ensure we continue to have the data needed to protect our planet.
Source & Credit: https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-08-19/trump-wants-nasa-to-burn-a-crucial-satellite-to-cinders-killing-research-into-climate-change
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