The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a directive to scrub all references to climate change from its public websites. This controversial move has been revealed through internal communications accessed by news outlets, sparking a debate over transparency and the future of environmental policy.
According to emails sent among USDA staff, web managers have been tasked to identify and remove or archive content relating to climate change. The deadline for this undertaking is set for the end of the week, creating a sense of urgency within the department.
Peter Rhee, the USDA's Director of Digital Communications, outlined the protocol in a communication shared on Thursday. Web staff are directed to evaluate all landing pages predominantly discussing climate change and to input their findings into a specified spreadsheet for further review.
The department's Office of Communications will subsequently assess these materials to decide the next course of action. Another internal email sent to the Agricultural Research Service emphasized compliance with these instructions.
A request for comment on the directive from USDA officials has yet to receive a reply.
Documentation obtained highlights a tiered approach in the content review process:
- Tier 1: Pages solely focused on climate change.
- Tier 2: Pages where a large portion pertains to climate change.
- Tier 3: Pages with brief mentions of climate change.
Handlers are required to list each piece of content, providing its title, link, and recommended action.
The USDA has historically been a key player in climate change research, especially in terms of understanding how shifting weather patterns and rising temperatures affect agriculture. Resources that address climate science, carbon sequestration, and adaptive farming techniques have been integral to the department's mission.
For instance, a 2022 USDA webpage underscored the critical role of adaptation for farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and local communities facing the realities of climate change. The page emphasized the increasing frequency and intensity of these challenges.
However, recent changes in governmental policies have led to significant shifts. President Trump's administration has notably taken actions to reverse existing climate policies. This includes withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, pushing for expanded fossil fuel production, the erosion of environmental safeguards, and the rollback of incentives for electric vehicles.
Critics argue that the removal of climate change information from USDA websites could hinder efforts to educate the public and prepare agricultural sectors for the future impacts of climate change. Additionally, experts warn that these policy changes could expedite climate change progression, adversely affecting vulnerable populations who are least equipped to adapt.
The USDA's decision, therefore, resonates far beyond the corridors of policy-making, intertwining with broader national debates about climate change, environmental responsibility, and governmental transparency.