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Cuts to NOAA may make it more difficult to predict flooding and other weather-related disasters; cuts to FEMA are curtailing communities’ ability to respond to those disasters, as well.

Johnrob/Getty Images

Johnrob/Getty Images

Since taking office, President Trump has made sweeping changes to federal agencies that work on climate change.

On April 8, he issued executive orders that lifted regulations on fossil fuels, allowing new coal projects on federal land and ending what he called “woke policies” that support renewable energy. He slashed the budgets and shifted the directives of key government agencies – especially when it comes to funding research, regulating pollution and responding to climate-related disasters.

He says this is in the service of everyday Americans: to create jobs, lower the cost of living and boost the U.S. economy. But what are everyday Americans trading away in the process?

Want to hear more ways research is being impacted by the new administration? Email us at shortwave@nprg.org to let us know — and we may cover your idea in a future episode!

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This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. Robert Rodriguez was the audio engineer.