In brief
In a surprising move, the Trump administration has put a halt to the National Nature Assessment—a comprehensive report assessing the state of America's natural resources. Originally initiated under the Biden administration, the report was drafted by over 150 experts who had dedicated substantial time to the project.
Just weeks before its scheduled submission, project leader Phil Levin informed his team that the executive order had canceled their efforts. However, in a parallel email, he expressed the critical importance of the research, stating, “This work is too important to die.” Levin’s insistence reflects a unanimous sentiment among leading authors, who are now strategizing on how to publish the findings independently. This vital study aimed to evaluate the health of U.S. land, water, and wildlife, along with the anticipated impacts of environmental changes on the population. Experts are committed to ensuring that this essential research sees the light of day, emphasizing its relevance for national understanding of ecological dynamics and human well-being.
