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Phil Levin

@phillevin.bsky.social
8K followers 2.9K following 121 posts

Exec Director, Univ of Washington EarthLab. Director, TheNatureRecord.org, Conservation Scientist. Marine ecologist. Poultry Farmer. University of Washington Professor. sites.uw.edu/levinlab

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Reposted by Phil Levin
Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Science is essential—it helps us understand change and guide decisions. But how we do science is expanding: more collaborative, more connected, more inclusive. When it starts with communities, it leads to solutions that last. My Earth Day op-ed is out www.seattletimes.com/opinion/eart...
seattletimes.com
Earth Day reminds us science is stronger when it starts with communities | Op-Ed
Science is essential. But the story of how we practice it has expanded over the decades to be more connected to real-world decisions and outcomes.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Science is essential—it helps us understand change and guide decisions. But how we do science is expanding: more collaborative, more connected, more inclusive. When it starts with communities, it leads to solutions that last. My Earth Day op-ed is out www.seattletimes.com/opinion/eart...
seattletimes.com
Earth Day reminds us science is stronger when it starts with communities | Op-Ed
Science is essential. But the story of how we practice it has expanded over the decades to be more connected to real-world decisions and outcomes.
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Reposted by Phil Levin
David Shiffman, Ph.D. 🦈 @whysharksmatter.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Public Comment Now Open for The Nature Record Draft Assessment – esa.org/esablog/2026... The draft assessment of The Nature Record— the first comprehensive, independent, evidence-based assessment of the state of nature in the United States — is now available for public review.
esa.org
Public Comment Now Open for The Nature Record Draft Assessment – Ecotone | News and Views on Ecological Science
The draft assessment of The Nature Record (previously known as United by Nature) — the first comprehensive, independent, evidence-based assessment of the state of nature in the United States — is now…
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
There’s a tradition this time of year of returning to a story—not to repeat it, but to question it, add to it, & see what it asks of us. Be That’s this moment for NatureRecord.org: still unfolding shaped by many voices. Check out my substack & share your voice open.substack.com/pub/naturere...
open.substack.com
A Shared Telling, Still Unfolding
What we're hearing about the assessment draft
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Nature Portfolio @natureportfolio.nature.com · 27/03/2026
A paper in Scientific Reports presents detailed observations of a wild sperm whale birth off the coast of Dominica in July 2023. The findings represent the most in-depth published observations of a wild cetacean birth to date, according to the authors. go.nature.com/4sD82QE 🌍 🧪
This is figure 1, which shows pre-birth gathering of the sperm whales of Unit A.
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Environmental News Bits @envnewsbits.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
The Nature Record Download the draft assessment. The Nature Record is a national initiative bringing together knowledge, storytelling, and public participation to elevate the role of nature in the U.S. It includes a holistic assessment of U.S. lands, waters, and wildlife and the benefits they…
envnewsbits.info
The Nature Record
Download the draft assessment. The Nature Record is a national initiative bringing together knowledge, storytelling, and public participation to elevate the role of nature in the U.S. It includes a holistic assessment of U.S. lands, waters, and wildlife and the benefits they provide. 
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Society for Freshwater Science @freshwaterscience.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Help shape the first of its kind assessment of U.S. lands, waters, wildlife and the benefits they provide. The full draft of the Nature Record is now open for comment. The authors are looking for your ideas, insights, and experiences to strengthen the report. naturerecord.org
naturerecord.org
The Nature Record
Now it’s our turn to shape what comes next. A new project. A mission years in the making.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Nature shapes our health, economy, and daily lives—and it’s changing fast. TheNatureRecord.org national assessment is open for public comment, and your perspective matters. Learn how to review and contribute: naturerecord.substack.com/p/how-to-rev... Add your voice. Please share widely! 🙏
naturerecord.substack.com
How to Review The Nature Record Draft
No technical expertise required
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Working on TheNatureRecord.org means living inside data about US nature. But numbers carry only part of the story. In partnership with BowSeat.org, we’re excited to announce youth art winners whose work captures what data leave out—wonder, grief & belonging open.substack.com/pub/naturere...
open.substack.com
What Data Leave Out
Science tells us what's happening. These artists make us feel it.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Working on TheNatureRecord.org means living inside data about US nature. But numbers carry only part of the story. In partnership with BowSeat.org, we’re excited to announce youth art winners whose work captures what data leave out—wonder, grief & belonging open.substack.com/pub/naturere...
open.substack.com
What Data Leave Out
Science tells us what's happening. These artists make us feel it.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
A new Substack from The Nature Record: welcoming our incredible Board of Advisors and inviting everyone to help shape the first holistic assessment of nature in the United States. Read the note and join the effort. 🌎 substack.com/@naturerecor...
substack.com
Building The Nature Record Together
Plus a quick guide to reviewing the draft assessment and sharing feedback
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Robin Stanton @robinstanton.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Trump regime couldn't cancel this report on the status of nature in the United States. After the government terminated the project forged ahead with private funding. @phillevin.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/c...
nytimes.com
Nature Report, Killed by Trump, Is Released Independently
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Randy Watkins @bluetortoise3.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Here is a direct link to the first full draft of the National Nature Assessment on the state of America’s land, water and wildlife that was started under the Biden administration but canceled by Trump before it could be published. 🌎 naturerecord.org/chapters
naturerecord.org
Chapters - The Nature Record
Now it’s our turn to shape what comes next. A new project. A mission years in the making.
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The draft Nature Record National Assessment is now open for comment! Take a look and tell us what we got right, what we missed, and what changes you’re seeing where you live. Your perspective will help shape the final record of nature in the U.S. naturerecord.substack.com/p/the-draft-...
naturerecord.substack.com
The Draft is Ready. Now We Need You.
Share your perspective on the state of nature in the U.S.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
The draft Nature Record National Assessment is now open for comment! Take a look and tell us what we got right, what we missed, and what changes you’re seeing where you live. Your perspective will help shape the final record of nature in the U.S. naturerecord.substack.com/p/the-draft-...
naturerecord.substack.com
The Draft is Ready. Now We Need You.
Share your perspective on the state of nature in the U.S.
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 06/03/2026
When the US govt terminated the National Nature Asst, @phillevin.bsky.social + the author team were determined not to let that stop them. They re-organized, set up an advisory committee, found funding…and now the brand new Nature Record is open for public comment. 👏🌳👏🌲 Check it out (link below)!
nytimes.com
Nature Report, Killed by Trump, Is Released Independently
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
What tarantulas and toads taught me about collaboration — and how that lesson is shaping The Nature Record national assessment. A reflection on reciprocity, credibility, and the quiet leadership of our chapter leads as we head toward public review. open.substack.com/pub/naturere...
open.substack.com
What Nature Teaches Us About Building The Nature Record
How collaboration builds credibility and turns an assessment into a shared record
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
What tarantulas and toads taught me about collaboration — and how that lesson is shaping The Nature Record national assessment. A reflection on reciprocity, credibility, and the quiet leadership of our chapter leads as we head toward public review. open.substack.com/pub/naturere...
open.substack.com
What Nature Teaches Us About Building The Nature Record
How collaboration builds credibility and turns an assessment into a shared record
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Society for Conservation Biology North America (SCBNA) @scbnorthamerica.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
🔊 Announcing SCBNA's Public Engagement Series with The Nature Record! 🌎 Join our conversations on a national initiative preparing the first holistic assessment of U.S. lands, waters, and wildlife, and their benefits! Learn about all 7 sessions & register here: scbnorthamerica.org/index.php/th...
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Society for Conservation Biology North America (SCBNA) @scbnorthamerica.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Kicking off the new year with The Nature Record Overview Session #1! 🎉 Date: Monday, January 12, 2026 Time: 12 - 1:00 PM PST Learn about why this assessment is needed now and how you can engage! Register here! us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
We’re launching a new public engagement series. The Nature Record is a national assessment of the state of nature in the U.S.—our lands, waters, wildlife, and the benefits they provide. Join the conversation and register: open.substack.com/pub/naturere...
open.substack.com
A New Public Engagement Series to Shape Nature Together
Join the conversation
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe @aaberhe.com · 05/12/2025
Please nominate your self and/or others to review the the United by Nature Assessment (formerly the US National Nature Assessment). Spread the word.
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Monica Dean @monicadean.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
What was once the US National Nature Assessment is now the United by Nature Assessment. These reports are only as good as the feedback they receive - nominations for expert reviewers is now open!
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Dr. Dawn Wright @deepseadawn.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
@nationalacademies.org seeking experts by Dec 15 in Ecology Biodiversity, ecosys services, env change Ag Conservation biophysical sci Climate adaptation & mitigation Env social sci + human-nature interaction SciComm for a technical review of United by Nature survey.alchemer.com/s3/8589587/R...
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is seeking suggestions for experts to serve on an independent ad hoc committee that will conduct a technical review of the draft United by Nature assessment [nas.us8.list-manage.com] report. United by Nature has asked the National Academies to conduct this review of the draft assessment.

The United by Nature assessment aims to provide a holistic evaluation of U.S. lands, waters, wildlife, and the benefits they provide. The review committee will consist of approximately 12–16 volunteer experts with relevant expertise. Suggested individuals may also be considered as potential peer reviewers for future publications stemming from this effort.

Individuals who have served as contributors to the United by Nature assessment—including authors, chapter leads, advisory board members, technical contributors, or members of the secretariat—are not eligible to participate on the review committee.

We are seeking nominations with expertise in the following areas:
Ecology or evolutionary biology
Biodiversity, ecosystem services, and environmental change
Agriculture
Conservation-relevant biophysical sciences
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Environmental social science and human-nature interactions
Science communication

Please submit suggestions by December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
The National Academies is inviting nominations for experts to review the draft United by Nature assessment. Ecology, climate, conservation, social science, sci-comm + more. If someone comes to mind—maybe you—please nominate & please the word! www.nationalacademies.org/projects/DEL...
nationalacademies.org
Review of the draft United by Nature assessment
The United by Nature Assessment is designed to be “a holistic assessment of U.S. lands, waters, and wildlife, and the benefits they provide.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Why does poetry matter in a time of ecological change? Because science tells us what’s happening — but poetry reminds us why it matters. 🌿 It helps us feel our belonging to place, and that feeling fuels action. Read my United by Nature Substack piece: 🔗 unitedbynature.substack.com/p/why-poetry...
unitedbynature.substack.com
Why Poetry Matters in a Time of Ecological Change
The evidence of feeling
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Right now, nearly 200 authors across the country are crafting the second drafts of their chapters for a first-of-its-kind assessment of how nature supports life in the United States. This is the story of how it all comes together (there’s even a song!) open.substack.com/pub/unitedby...
open.substack.com
How a Chapter is Born
Plus, a theme song on what it feels like to be a draft
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
🌿 What if a single leaf could remind us of our place in the universe? My latest post on Substack. Check it out and follow us there ! 🙏 open.substack.com/pub/unitedby...
open.substack.com
Seeing the Universe in a Leaf
A story about the connections between people and the natural world
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Eliza Barclay @elizabarclay.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Rainn Wilson from The Office: "About six years ago, during my daily practice of sitting in my underwear and sending out angry tweets to climate science deniers, I looked at myself in the mirror and decided it was time to be more than a keyboard warrior." www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | A Sitcom Star and the King of England Walk Into a Fire Ceremony
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Reposted by Phil Levin
David Shiffman, Ph.D. 🦈 @whysharksmatter.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Inspired by Nature: 10 Powerful New Memoirs and Biographies • The Revelator 🧪🌎
therevelator.org
Inspired by Nature: 10 Powerful New Memoirs and Biographies • The Revelator
These new books showcase moments where embracing nature led to personal discoveries or scientific breakthroughs.
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
When democracy falters, science is among the first casualties—truth silenced, data erased, expertise sidelined. But history shows us: scientists can build independent institutions that preserve truth, counter misinformation, and defend both knowledge and democracy. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
science.org
Scientists’ role in defending democracy
The United States’ democratic leadership, commitment to freedom of expression, and investment in the pursuit of knowledge have long enabled its preeminence in science and technology. Yet today we are ...
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
A century‑and‑a‑half of urbanization (from ~7% in 1810 to ~83% in 2020) has amplified a generational loss of nature connection. Richardson links parental disconnection to child connectedness—suggesting family-based interventions could help restore our bond with nature. 🌳 www.mdpi.com/2673-4834/6/...
mdpi.com
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
A century‑and‑a‑half of urbanization (from ~7% in 1810 to ~83% in 2020) has amplified a generational loss of nature connection. Richardson links parental disconnection to child connectedness—suggesting family-based interventions could help restore our bond with nature. 🌳 www.mdpi.com/2673-4834/6/...
mdpi.com
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Dr. Jonathan Foley @globalecoguy.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
Studying the Earth is literally in the authorizing charter of NASA and always been part of their mission… arstechnica.com/space/2025/0...
arstechnica.com
NASA’s acting chief calls for the end of Earth science at the space agency
NASA’s charter clearly states the agency should study planet Earth, however.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
When democracy falters, science is among the first casualties—truth silenced, data erased, expertise sidelined. But history shows us: scientists can build independent institutions that preserve truth, counter misinformation, and defend both knowledge and democracy. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
science.org
Scientists’ role in defending democracy
The United States’ democratic leadership, commitment to freedom of expression, and investment in the pursuit of knowledge have long enabled its preeminence in science and technology. Yet today we are ...
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Luisa A. Igloria @thepoetslizard.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
We are so excited to share this cover reveal of THE NATURE OF OUR TIMES: Poems on America’s Lands, Waters, Wildlife, and other Natural Wonders Edited by Luisa A. Igloria, Aileen Cassinetto, and David Hassler; Foreword by Phil Levin. Forthcoming from Paloma Press on 18 September, 2025...
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Diane Pataki @greeningscience.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
The @ecologicalsociety.bsky.social needs your input on a collective research agenda for actionable ecological science. Are you attending #ESA2025 in Baltimore? Join us on Monday August 11 for a community discussion about how we can help solve urgent socioenvironmental problems with sound science.
events.rdmobile.com
SS 15 - Advancing an Actionable Research Agenda for Ecological Science: An ESA Community Discussion - Details
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
I’m joining UW EarthLab as Interim Executive Director. Same mission as always—helping people & nature thrive—just with more meetings. @EarthLab to United by Nature (weareunitedbynature.org), I’m still chasing the big questions. Why I said yes earthlab in link below ➡️
earthlab.uw.edu
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UW Center for Nature and Health @natureandhealth.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
We're thrilled to welcome @phillevin.bsky.social, PhD to the EarthLab team! Phil has been a long-time leader in the field of nature and health and served as Director of the first-ever National Nature Assessment. Welcome, Dr. Levin! earthlab.uw.edu/2025/08/why-...
earthlab.uw.edu
Why Now: Reflections on Joining EarthLab | EarthLab
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Liz Neeley @lizneeley.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
Each Friday I summarize what happened in science 🧪& higher ed. This was Week 28: - $300M frozen at UCLA + updates on university “deals” - jobs report, Bureau of Labor Statistics firing & data quality fears - Corporation for Public Broadcasting shutting down + more at buttondown.com/liminalcreat...
buttondown.com
Week 28
July 28 - Aug 1, 2025 - failing down the garden path
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Nature doesn’t live in a PDF—and neither should our vision for it. Deep thanks to the Esri team for helping turn the United by Nature assessment into something interactive, beautiful, and alive. This partnership gives me hope.
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Gretchen Goldman, PhD @gretchentg.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
We are six months into the second Trump administration and the scale and severity of its assault on our nation's science and democracy has been unrelenting. Today, @ucs.org releases a detailed assessment of the damage so far and where we go from here: www.ucs.org/resources/sc... #ProtectScience
ucs.org
Science and Democracy Under Siege
Documenting Six Months of the Trump Administration’s Destructive Actions
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Nature doesn’t live in a PDF—and neither should our vision for it. Deep thanks to the Esri team for helping turn the United by Nature assessment into something interactive, beautiful, and alive. This partnership gives me hope.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
Wonderful piece by Emmett Duffy. Science is a sacred obligation—and a team sport. It thrives on curiosity, humility, and the wisdom of crowds. Let’s keep exploring, questioning, and building a better world together. Let’s do this, people! doi.org/10.1093/ices...
doi.org
Let’s do this, people
Abstract. Science is a labor of love. That’s why I got into the business after a childhood obsessed with animals. Here, I offer a few scenes along my own w
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Katharine Hayhoe @katharinehayhoe.com · 08/07/2025
Newspaper coverage of climate change around the globe dropped 6% from May to June 2025 -- and by 28% compared to June 2024, despite increasing frequency and severity of climate-fueled extreme weather events. Read more from the @media-climate.bsky.social here: mecco.colorado.edu/summaries/is...
A line graph of world newspaper coverage of climate change or global warming from 2004 to 2025 in continents around the world.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 05/07/2025
Honored to give the Opening Plenary at this year’s ESA meeting. Drawing on work with the United by Nature initiative, I’ll explore how radical amazement—deep awe evoked by nature—can guide and spark transformative action. Hope to see you there! Weareunitedbynature.org
weareunitedbynature.org
United by Nature
United by Nature is a collaborative effort to understand how nature shapes our lives, and how we can shape nature's future.
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Bob Kopp @bobkopp.net · 02/07/2025
For those looking for the National Climate Assessments: NCA5 (2023): repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/61... NCA4 vol. 1 (2017): repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/19... NCA4 vol. 2 (2018): repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/19... NCA3 (2014): repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/19...
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Gretchen Goldman, PhD @gretchentg.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Our Federal agencies are facing dire threats. The cuts to staffing and programs across the government has already been devastating. And now Congress is working towards further destruction. Today I spoke at a rally outside NOAA. Keep up the pressure. #SaveNOAA. Save Science. Save Lives.
Me speaking at a podium at a NOAA rally
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Reposted by Phil Levin
Peter Gleick @petergleick.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
There are 2 previous historical cases of countries destroying their science and universities, crippling them for decades: Lysenkoism in the USSR and Nazi Germany. The Trump administration will be the 3rd. It's not just budgets but research, institutions, expertise, and training the next generation.
Graphs showing 25 years of budgets for the National Institute of Health, NASA, and the NSF. In all cases, the proposed budget for next year is far, far below any year of the previous quarter century.
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Phil Levin @phillevin.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
USGS’s Ecosystems Mission Area faces elimination, threatening salmon, bat, and wildlife research. Cuts align with Project 2025’s rollback of environmental protections. A generational setback for science. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/31/c...
nytimes.com
Trump’s Proposed Budget Would Cut a Major Ecology Program
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