US Climate Programs & AI Protections Under Threat: The Download

Nonprofits are racing to safeguard a U.S. initiative aimed at modernizing greenhouse gas measurements. This effort comes amid growing concerns that the dismantling of federal programs could obscure the nation’s contributions to climate change.

Protecting Climate Data in the Face of Policy Shifts

Nonprofits are stepping in to preserve crucial climate data tracking initiatives.

The Data Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., is currently fundraising for a new initiative. This project aims to coordinate efforts between nonprofits, technical experts and private companies. The goal is to enhance both the accuracy and accessibility of climate emissions information.

This effort builds upon a previous initiative launched in 2023 by former President Joe Biden. That program focused on improving the collection of emissions data. However, President Trump nullified it on his first day in office.

How are U.S. climate monitoring efforts being preserved?

The new greenhouse gas coalition represents a growing trend of nonprofit and academic groups stepping up. These organizations are either launching new efforts or redirecting their focus. They aim to keep essential climate monitoring and research programs operational amidst significant cuts to environmental funding, staffing and regulations.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission, often recognized by Americans for its role in handling identity theft, fraud and stolen data, is also facing changes.

During the Biden administration, the FTC actively pursued AI companies. This included addressing those using deceptive advertising or releasing irresponsible technologies that harmed consumers.

However, with the recent announcement of President Trump’s AI Action Plan, this approach appears poised to change.

The new plan signals a shift in perspective. It suggests the Trump administration believes the FTC’s prior actions were overly aggressive. Consequently, all FTC actions taken under the Biden administration are slated for review.

This move represents a further development in the evolving approach to regulating AI. The FTC has been a critical avenue for individuals harmed by AI in the United States. The potential for faster AI deployment with fewer safeguards regarding accuracy, fairness or consumer harm is now a significant concern.