Nations Lose a Climate Lab: What Happens When Research Is Sold

A big science centre in Colorado is under threat. The government wants to shut it down, hand its work over to colleges and businesses, give up its planes, and sell the land. The place, known for studying weather and climate, was founded in 1960. It runs a giant super‑computer called Derecho that helps scientists predict wildfires, hurricanes and other storms. Around 830 people work there for a non‑profit group that manages the lab on behalf of the federal government. Scientists say closing it would hurt research into air pollution, oceans and space weather. It could also leave emergency planners unprepared for severe weather.The government has asked the National Science Foundation to decide who will run the lab’s projects. A letter from two Colorado representatives warned that ending the lab would raise costs, break long‑term collaborations and reduce our ability to predict dangerous weather. A whistleblower claims that officials started talks with a private company about taking over part of the lab’s space‑weather work before the review finished. The representatives want an official investigation into these claims.