👎 Largest Federal Climate Research Lab May Close

👎 Largest Federal Climate Research Lab May Close

One of the latest efforts of the Trump administration to curtail climate action and research was announced last Tuesday. The White House says they plan to dismantle Colorado’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the largest federal climate research lab. NCAR was established by the National Science Foundation in 1960 to study Earth’s atmosphere and its interactions with ocean, land surfaces, and the sun. It has provided critical research on long-term atmospheric changes, global warming, air pollution, wildfires, extreme weather, and geomagnetic storms. Its closure would not only decimate climate research, but it would also have an impact on weather, wildfire, and disaster research, setting back the clock on half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.

Denise Chow and Megan Lebowitz, NBC News

🐻‍❄️ Polar Bear’s DNA to Adapts to Changing Climate

A new study from the University of East Anglia suggests that polar bears are undergoing rapid genetic changes due to the impacts of climate change. This is believed to be the first time this change has been seen in a mammal where temperature was the leading cause. However, this could be a promising sign for the bear’s survival, as two-thirds of the world’s polar bear population could perish by 2050. Researchers found that polar bears in southeastern Greenland, the warmest part of their range, showed rapid genetic changes compared to samples from polar bears in northern Greenland where it is colder. The species was separated between the regions about 200 years ago. Normally, polar bears would hunt seals and have a high fat diet, but the southeastern Greenland bears are eating more plant-based diets to survive. Polar bears are currently listed as endangered with approximately 26,000 remaining on Earth.

Briana Alvarado, ABC News

🇪🇸 Spain Opening Network of Climate Shelters

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez announced the country will set up a national network of climate shelters in public buildings to offer people refuge from intense heat before next summer as part of his plan to address the impact of climate change. Sanchez said devastating droughts and heatwaves are no longer rare in Spain, and long heatwaves stretching from June through August are now the new normal. Spain experienced its hottest summer and three heatwaves in 2025, including a 16 day stretch of temperatures exceeding 45C (113F). The climate shelters will be funded by the government in addition to existing shelter networks already set up by regional governments. In Barcelona, about 400 climate shelters already exist in libraries, museums, sports facilities, and shopping malls. These spaces are air conditioned and usually include seating and free water.

Amy Walker, BBC

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