New Online Hub Launches to Fill Gap in U.S. Climate Information
In the rapidly evolving field of climate science, access to reliable and comprehensive data is more crucial than ever. A new digital platform, Climate.us, aims to bridge the gap left by the closure of a prominent government-run climate site. This initiative, spearheaded by former government scientists, offers an alternative source for climate data and insights.
Previously, Climate.gov served as a go-to resource for climate data, attracting nearly a million visitors monthly in 2021. However, the platform was taken offline last year during budget cuts under the Trump administration. The newly launched Climate.us is the brainchild of former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) employees who had been laid off during these cutbacks.
Restoring Access to Critical Climate Data
Despite the data being stored on government servers, accessing it remains challenging, says Rebecca Lindsey, who previously directed Climate.gov. She, along with two colleagues, has been working diligently since August 2025 to recreate the site. “This information is too important. It should remain in a protected place,” Lindsey emphasizes.
As of June 24, 2025, NOAA’s website redirects users with a message citing an Executive Order, stating that future climate research products will be available through NOAA.gov. NOAA’s Communications Director, Kim Doster, reiterated this via email when contacted for comments.
Funding and Community Support
To kickstart the project, Lindsey and her team raised $280,000 through crowdfunding. They also garnered support from approximately 80 scientists who volunteered as subject-matter experts to validate the site’s content. An anonymous donor has further bolstered the effort with a grant expected to sustain operations until at least February 2027.
While NOAA’s public data is relatively accessible, Lindsey notes that creating new search functionalities posed significant technical challenges. Renowned climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe of Texas Tech University attests to the significance of platforms like Climate.us, stating, “They’re really helping people connect what’s happening at the global scale to how it matters to their lives.”
Preserving a Legacy of Accessible Climate Information
Climate.us continues the tradition of its predecessor by offering a “climate dashboard” with crucial climate change graphs and an extensive archive of articles, expert blogs, and educational resources. Lindsey assures that the site’s editorial approach remains fact-based and nonpartisan.
Recent developments, such as the White House’s reversal on dismantling important ocean monitoring equipment, underscore the need for independent climate data repositories. Gretchen Gehrke from the Environmental Data & Governance Initiative expresses concern over the government’s quiet discontinuation of climate data collection, highlighting Climate.us as a potential safeguard.
Lindsey contemplates the future of Climate.us, whether it will eventually reintegrate with government efforts or remain an independent entity. She notes, “The fact that they got rid of it so easily is proof that we shouldn’t make it vulnerable again.”
