Nonprofits Unite To Restore U.S. Climate Monitoring Efforts

Across Washington, nonprofits and academic institutions are racing to sustain U.S. climate monitoring programs that face deep federal cuts under the current administration. With greenhouse-gas reporting rules at risk and core research funding slashed, groups like the Data Foundation and the American Geophysical Union have mobilized coalitions to fill the void.

On day one of his term, the president rescinded Biden’s 2023 National Strategy to Advance an Integrated US Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Monitoring, and Information System. Key federal agencies—EPA, NOAA, USFS—have seen staffing drops and program cuts that threaten decades of atmospheric data.

Nonprofits and Academics Mobilize

The Data Foundation has launched the Climate Data Collaborative to unite nonprofits, technical experts, and private firms around standardized emissions tracking. Building on Biden-era initiatives, it aims to replace lagging, self-reported data with interoperable, near-real-time measurements.

At the same time, a coalition of universities led by Yale, Princeton, and UC San Diego teamed with the AGU to nominate nearly 300 U.S. scientists for the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report. These academic alliances are fundraising to cover travel expenses and ensure American researchers help shape global climate policy.

• Self-reported emissions from power plants and refineries
• Aircraft, balloon, and shipboard atmospheric readings
• Satellite‐based detections of CO₂ and methane plumes
• Ground sensors measuring tree biomass and soil carbon

Gaps and Consequences

Without coordinated reporting, communities lose visibility into wildfire, drought, and flood risks. Studies reveal self-reported methane leaks up to 60% below actual levels, and satellite analyses show landfill emissions six times higher than filed data. Losing federal compilations means “flying blind” on climate trends and policy compliance.

University-Led IPCC Initiative

With the U.S. government sidelined, the US Academic Alliance for the IPCC ensures participation in global assessments. Ten universities vetted and nominated researchers, while the AGU raises funds for logistics. Their goal: keep American expertise at the forefront of the flagship UN climate report.

Embracing Next-Gen Tools

Experts advocate pilot testing of novel sensors, satellite constellations, and AI models to build an upgraded emissions monitoring infrastructure. While nonprofits can’t shoulder the entire load, they can preserve critical data continuity and drive innovation until stable federal leadership returns.

As coalitions take shape, coordination remains vital to avoid duplication and maintain rigorous scientific standards. By combining institutional expertise, open-data platforms, and emerging technologies, these efforts aim not only to plug gaps but also to modernize America’s approach to tracking—and ultimately combating—climate change.