Assessment of Nature in the U.S. Amid Political Turmoil

The Nature Record, an independent assessment of the health of ecosystems in the United States, was released by a group of scientists and researchers after President Donald Trump canceled the original report during his administration. The 868-page draft highlights significant environmental challenges, including the crisis facing freshwater ecosystems and the risk of extinction for 34% of plant species and 40% of animal species. The assessment emphasizes the urgent need for conservation and restoration efforts to improve ecosystem health and community resilience.

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The initiative for the assessment began on Earth Day in 2022, when President Joseph R. Biden Jr. signed an executive order calling for a comprehensive evaluation of nature's condition in the U.S. However, in January 2025, the Trump administration disbanded the effort just weeks before the completion of the first draft. Despite this setback, Dr. Phillip Levin and approximately 125 researchers continued the work independently, securing over $3 million in funding primarily from foundations to support the project.

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The Nature Record synthesizes existing research to provide a scientific consensus on the state of nature, aiming to inform policymakers and the public. It addresses the impacts of human activity on ecosystems and highlights themes of equity and environmental justice, which were emphasized by the Biden administration but criticized by Trump. The report includes chapters on human health, the economy, and national security, and it aims to present a balanced view by showcasing "bright spots" in nature alongside the challenges faced.

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The White House did not provide direct comments regarding the Nature Record. However, a spokesperson for Trump stated that the administration's efforts to cut funding for what they termed "ideological pet projects" were part of a broader strategy to enhance America's research and development capabilities. Dr. Levin noted the importance of the assessment, stating, “Having a clear picture of where nature is, what its condition and trajectory is, is going to help people manage their relationship with nature.”

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Critics of the Trump administration's environmental policies have pointed to the cancellation of the original assessment as a significant setback for ecological research. The administration's dismissal of climate assessments and the release of a separate report downplaying climate change threats drew condemnation from scientists and environmental advocates. Katharine Hayhoe, a noted climate scientist, praised the rigor of the Nature Record, emphasizing its innovative approach to presenting environmental data.

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The Nature Record is currently open for public comment until May 30, with the final version expected to be published in late fall 2026. The assessment aims to foster a renewed connection between people and nature, highlighting potential solutions to the environmental crises outlined in the report.

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• “The future is not fixed,” — Phillip Levin, Director of the Nature Record

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• “Leading with the bright spots before getting to all of the doom and gloom actually helps to inoculate readers against the ‘Oh my gosh, it’s all over, we might as well just give up’ mentality that might come if you just immediately plunged into the challenges that confront us.” — Katharine Hayhoe, Climate Scientist

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• “Having a clear picture of where nature is, what its condition and trajectory is, is going to help people manage their relationship with nature,” — Kyle McKay, Civil Engineer

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This comprehensive assessment serves as a crucial tool for understanding the current state of nature in the U.S. and the necessary steps for its preservation and recovery.

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