Scientists working on it after President Donald Trump cancels a report on the state of America’s natural state – much of the Seattle area – Let’s say they’ll continue to work and build that.
The report, released by President Joe Biden during a visit to Seward Park in Seattle on Earth Day in 2022, was intended to be the country’s first national assessment of natural conditions.
Overall, over 150 scientists worked on national assessments. And they almost completed the first draft of their work. after that Phil Levin, A professor of practice at Washington University of Environmental Sciences and the national director of the report were notified that the assessment had ended shortly after Trump took office.
He said he received the news indirectly, and without explanation other than what he needs to send to project participants: “…as required by the executive order. Unleashing American energyreleased on January 20, 2025, we have stopped working on the National Nature Assessment. ”
Trump’s order was broad-ranging green energy and environmental initiatives under the Biden administration, and was a drastic directive to achieve American domination in facilities such as mining, energy extraction, and pipelines. .
Levin sent the email as directed. After that I sent another one – this time from his personal account:
“…Yes, this is a shame. Yes, this is frustrating. However, it’s not unexpected. Therefore, I am moving from these feelings to see opportunities in this challenge. This work is too important to die… and inspired by Rennie Kravitz (1991): I say, “It’s not beyond ’til [we say] it’s over. “
Working now The new one is complete Report. It is still comprehensive, peer-reviewed, and the first report of its kind. Originally scheduled for release in 2026, the report still holds a deadline, Levin said, or even beats it.
The University of Washington has more scientists involved in the job than other academic institutions.
Reports are more than just species numbers. Biodiversity and species stocks are needed, but the chapters on nature and economy, bright spots for conservation and recovery, environmental justice and equity, nature and climate change, and even nature and cultural heritage, are all about people’s perceptions and understanding. Delve into understanding and the value of nature.
Levin said he was surprised at the pouring of support to keep his work going. His University of Washington inbox was packed after a story about an ordered cancellation was run in the New York Times With hundreds of emails, Levin said. Many Since then, publishers have been interested in retrieving reports, as if they have academic journals, as if they want to publish reports and publish some of the reports in their field. I copy editors, artists, etc. and volunteer for support.
This assessment was approved as part of the US Global Change Research Program created by Congress in 1990, inducing human beings of global change and to understand, assess, predict and respond to natural processes. and supported the world. The first national natural assessment was intended to examine land, water, wildlife, biodiversity, ecosystem situations, trends and future forecasts in America. and national security.
Report Summary It has already been featured in the Federal Register.
“It’s a different game, but the entire project remains the same,” Levin said.
Howard Furumkin He is Professor Emeritus of Environment and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington School of Public Health, and has served as dean of the department since 2010-16.
Fulmkin, the lead author of the chapter on nature and human health and happiness, said he was surprised that the report was drawn because nature is not inherently political. “Americans love the heritage of nature, people love the outdoors, they love it regardless of politics.”
By cancelling the report, he and others have only decided more to bring out this important job, Fulmkin said.
Devon Pena He is a professor of American ethnic studies and anthropology at the University of Washington, and his work is cross-disciplinary to explore the relationship between people and nature.
His contributions in the report explore how humans are in a beaver-like way. An ecosystem engineer who can become the creator of habitats in the way of the earth.
“Humans are not always the nasty destroyers of Earth,” he said. “We need to stop falling into the human binomial dichotomy here, the traps of nature over there.” I said. “Nature is not a commodity or a wilderness. It is our home, where we live, where we work, play, worship, and eat.”
Stopping work is merely a resumption, nothing is unfamiliar in real life, Peña pointed out. 70. “We were here before. For indigenous people like me, this has been going on for 500 years and we have the opportunity to develop our ability to survive.”
Josh LawlerProfessor of Environment and Forest Science at the University of Washington, is the author of the chapter on frameworks and approaches. He said it is important that the assessment is still public, it is important that people get what we get from nature, how we depend on it, and what state it is Because it helps you understand if there is. “It’s like going to the doctor,” he said. After all, “We rely on these natural systems for survival.”
Pooja tandon A pediatrician and associate professor at the UW School of Medicine, her research focuses on promoting physical activity and outdoor time as a way to promote health and well-being.
“I was shocked that it was completely closed,” she said of the report. “For me, national nature assessment doesn’t seem to be a partisan topic. Much of my job is focused on nature and outdoor time as a way to support health, especially for children, especially for all. I guess. In our time, too much screen time, too sedentary and isolated.”
For many of these challenges, she noted, the solution is access to nature and time outdoors.
“I feel committed to continuing this job, and in many ways I feel like I’ve solved it more.”
