Two key US climate change websites taken down. Scientists say it’s deeply disturbing

Two federal climate change websites, crucial for sharing public climate data and education, have been abruptly taken offline. Experts warn the move undermines transparency and public trust at a time when climate awareness is more critical than ever.

Two important U.S. government websites — one hosting the National Climate Assessment and the other focused on climate education — were recently shut down without explanation. These sites were managed by the U.S. Global Change Research Program and provided vital information on how climate change affects the country.

Researchers and climate experts are calling the move “deeply disturbing,” saying it cuts off public access to trusted, science-based climate information. The timing is especially troubling, as extreme weather and climate-related disasters continue to rise across the U.S.

The removed websites served as educational tools for teachers, journalists, students, and policymakers. Experts say taking them offline hurts public understanding of climate science and slows action during a critical time.

The first was the official online home of the National Climate Assessment — a report produced every four years to detail climate impacts across different U.S. regions. The second was a climate literacy site aimed at improving understanding of climate science among young people and educators.

There has been no official statement from the government explaining the takedown or confirming whether the sites will return. Some archived versions may still be available, but advocates say that’s not enough.

In a year already marked by deadly heatwaves, wildfires, and floods, removing public access to climate knowledge sends the wrong message. Transparency and education are essential in responding to the climate crisis.