Jessie Mahr spearheads effort to save environmental data from Trump administration

In mid-November 2024, a group of environmental data scientists in the United States convened to address the urgent threat posed by the potential removal of critical environmental datasets from federal agency websites under Donald Trump's administration, which was anticipated to begin shortly after his inauguration. Among the attendees was Jessie Mahr, who recognized this urgent need and assumed leadership to spearhead an organized initiative aimed at archiving these vital datasets. Her actions were crucial in preserving access to information related to climate, weather, air pollution, and environmental health, which serve as essential tools for communities, agencies, and other stakeholders in making informed decisions. Mahr's team worked tirelessly over the subsequent three months, successfully archiving hundreds of datasets, including the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, which was one of the first resources targeted for deletion. Ryan Hathaway, a former environmental justice director, emphasized the importance of this archival work, noting that it allowed agencies and communities to avoid starting from scratch when seeking data related to environmental issues. This proactive effort meant that the essential information was still accessible, even before a potential wave of deletions could occur. In the face of political rollbacks affecting scientific research and funding, private support for continued climate science becomes increasingly critical. Wendy Schmidt, a billionaire philanthropist, has emerged as a significant supporter of climate research, funding initiatives aimed at sustaining scientific inquiry and fostering public engagement with climate issues. This funding is particularly vital as public resources for climate data and scientific endeavors face challenges due to shifting political priorities. Despite the achievements in archiving and restoring crucial datasets, experts like Mahr stress that simply preserving historical data is insufficient to address future needs. Ongoing data collection and analysis are paramount to ensure the integrity of scientific research and informed decision-making. As Mahr aptly pointed out, a lack of accessible data could lead to lower-quality investments in vulnerable communities, ultimately undermining public health and safety. The efforts initiated by Mahr and her colleagues represent a pivotal moment in safeguarding environmental data during times of political transition.