At the world’s largest gathering of Earth and space scientists last week, a familiar name sent ripples of anxiety through the packed halls: TRUMP.
The annual American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting in Washington drew 31,000 attendees excited about discoveries, but there was also a sense of fear.
We Have A Target on Out Backs
Donald Trump’s return to power looms large for the scientific community.
During his previous term, Trump dismissed climate science as a “giant scam” and gutted federal research budgets.
This time too, Trump’s potential policies have sparked fears of funding cuts and mass layoffs.
“We all feel like we have a target on our backs,” one NOAA scientist admitted.
He added that terms like “climate crisis” are already being swapped for more neutral language.
Youngsters Particularly Worried
The unease is particularly tough on younger scientists.
Others voiced concerns about Trump’s appointments, including Robert F. Kennedy as health secretary, a pick tied to controversial conspiracy theories.
