How the Partial Government Shutdown Is Hampering Climate Efforts

The government shutdown might only be a partial one, but not when it comes to federal climate efforts.

Among the dozens of agencies and departments shuttered by the shutdown—now in its 14th day—are several shops that spearhead the government's response to global warming, notably NASA, NOAA, the Agriculture Department and EPA.

The impact, so far, has been irritating if not terribly consequential, said activists, analysts and former agency officials. Travel has been curtailed, for example, and research largely has been put on hold.

But they warned that the problems would multiply if President Trump and congressional Democrats can't reach a deal quickly to reopen the federal government.

"The inevitable result [of a shutdown] is that everything costs more and you do less," said Keith Cowing, editor of the space publication NASA Watch.

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