In a major setback for climate science, NASA announced it will stop studying global warming and focus only on space exploration.
During a Fox Business interview on Thursday, acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy — who is also the U.S. Secretary of Transportation — revealed the decision live on air.
“All the climate science and other projects from the last administration are being set aside,” Duffy said. “From now on, all of NASA’s work will focus on exploration. That is why NASA exists — to explore, not to do Earth science.”
The move is not surprising since President Donald Trump has long denied climate change and pushed policies that weaken scientific research. Just last month, the Department of Energy released a flawed report rejecting the reality of global warming.
NASA’s shift had been expected for some time. Trump officials previously blocked the agency from publishing climate data on its website and even ordered the shutdown of two satellites that collected key climate information. Experts warn this decision could be harmful and may even break the law.
The choice is especially troubling because NASA has been a leader in climate science since the 1960s. Its research has helped scientists predict future climate conditions and even study whether distant planets could support life.
Critics say ending NASA’s climate work is short-sighted and shows a lack of respect for the agency’s scientists and engineers. Many worry it will have serious consequences for the future.
