Climate Reserve quietly places displaced scientists in new roles after federal cuts
After the Trump administration slashed federal climate research funding and fired thousands of scientists, a group of experts formed the Climate Reserve to help those affected continue their work. The network has already funded more than two dozen positions at nonprofits across the U.S., matching researchers with organizations that can carry on critical climate projects. The initiative aims to preserve climate expertise without relying on government support.
The initiative emerged from a July workshop in Colorado where over 30 experts convened to address the sudden loss of federal research funding. Shrivastava, formerly a senior climate official, leads the effort, which has secured tens of millions in backing. The network's fellows now work across the country, with some projects deliberately kept confidential to shield participants from potential political retaliation.
Beyond domestic placements, the reserve supports international work including sea level mapping in Panama and emissions measurement across five African nations. It has also revived federal projects like EJScreen, a pollution mapping tool. The name references both nature preserves and military reserves, reflecting the dual mission of protecting expertise while maintaining readiness.
This initiative could help preserve critical climate research capacity during a period of federal withdrawal from environmental science. Communities that rely on tools like EJScreen to identify pollution hotspots may continue receiving updated data, while international partners could maintain collaborative projects. However, the network's reliance on private funding may create sustainability questions, and its partial secrecy could limit public accountability. The broader scientific community may face ongoing uncertainty as federal support remains unpredictable.