Europe Moves to Safeguard Climate Data as US Pulls Back Scientific Support
Governments in Europe are stepping up efforts to collect and protect vital scientific data, responding to growing concerns over the US retreat from climate and environmental research. These moves aim to reduce Europe’s reliance on US-sourced datasets, which have long underpinned weather forecasting, marine science, and climate modelling.
Europe Responds to US Budget Cuts in Science
The shift comes amid sweeping budget cuts by President Donald Trump’s administration, now back in office. Agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Environmental Protection Agency, and Centers for Disease Control are experiencing funding reductions and programme closures. These include the removal of public databases critical for global scientific collaboration.
European officials told Reuters they are alarmed by these changes. Without access to US data, governments and businesses face challenges in preparing for extreme weather and making informed infrastructure decisions. In response, over a dozen countries urged the EU Commission in March to hire affected US scientists.
New EU Initiatives Aim to Replace US-Led Data Systems
To reduce dependency, the EU is strengthening its European Marine Observation and Data Network. This system collects essential data on shipping, marine ecosystems, and pollution. The goal is to mirror or even replace US-based services, according to senior European Commission officials.
Officials from Denmark, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, and Spain confirmed to Reuters they are coordinating to secure health and climate data independently. The insurance, energy, and transport sectors are particularly exposed to disruptions in US data flows.
In parallel, Europe is considering boosting support for the Argo program, a global ocean monitoring initiative. The US currently funds 57% of Argo’s $40 million annual budget, while the EU contributes 23%. If US support falters, the EU is poised to step in and stabilise the programme’s future.
Governments and Scientists Race to Preserve US Datasets
Countries such as Norway and Denmark have begun backing up US scientific data. The Danish Meteorological Institute is actively downloading historical US datasets, anticipating potential deletions. “The issue becomes critical if new observation data stops arriving,” said Adrian Lema of the Danish Institute.
Germany has commissioned scientific bodies to assess national reliance on US databases. Meanwhile, some European scientists are engaged in “guerrilla archiving,” racing to preserve US climate and health data before it disappears.
Frank Oliver Gloeckner, head of PANGAEA, a German digital archive, confirmed receiving urgent requests from US scientists warning that some datasets may soon be lost. These concerns reflect the broader anxiety around the US withdrawal from global scientific leadership.
NOAA Cuts Threaten Core Research Programmes
President Trump’s 2026 budget proposal includes a $1.8 billion reduction for NOAA, cutting 27% of its funding and nearly 20% of its staff. The plan would shut down NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, which oversees programmes like Argo and provides data for global climate models.
Between April and June, NOAA announced the decommissioning of 20 data products linked to marine science and earthquakes. Experts warn that while private efforts to archive these datasets help, only governments can maintain the funding and infrastructure necessary for continuous updates.
The Federation of American Scientists, alongside European researchers and philanthropic groups, has held discussions to decide which datasets are most critical to preserve. Denice Ross, former US Chief Data Officer, said that while other nations can step in to fill some gaps, long-term stability requires sustained public investment.
“with inputs from Reuters”
