Dr. Catherine Wilka
@cawilka.bsky.social
Climate change, collective action, crafts, and cats. Trying to be on this app more these days. she/her
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
New AMS Statement: Dismantling NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research would weaken U.S. leadership in weather, water, and climate science, putting public safety at risk.
For more than 60 years, NSF NCAR has improved forecasts and early warnings that save lives. More: https://bit.ly/4q6eChn
For more than 60 years, NSF NCAR has improved forecasts and early warnings that save lives. More: https://bit.ly/4q6eChn
December 19, 2025 at 10:54 PM
New AMS Statement: Dismantling NSF’s National Center for Atmospheric Research would weaken U.S. leadership in weather, water, and climate science, putting public safety at risk.
For more than 60 years, NSF NCAR has improved forecasts and early warnings that save lives. More: https://bit.ly/4q6eChn
For more than 60 years, NSF NCAR has improved forecasts and early warnings that save lives. More: https://bit.ly/4q6eChn
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
Do not cite an academic paper unless you’ve read it
AI Is Inventing Academic Papers That Don't Exist -- And They're Being Cited in Real Journals
Academic articles from authors using large language model are creating an ecosystem of fake research that threatens human knowledge itself.
www.rollingstone.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Do not cite an academic paper unless you’ve read it
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
This is not just "NCAR boosterism," folks. There are multiple empirical measures by which this is correct--and also, if you took a random sampling of atmospheric & Earth scientists from around the world, I'd bet that a substantial majority of them would agree. NCAR is truly irreplaceable.
Bucalacchi stresses NCAR's reach is unique globally: "if you look at the totality of activities from weather, water, climate, space, weather, atmosphere, chemistry- no one single institution covers that breadth and depth of across observation, high performance computing and modelling and tradition."
December 18, 2025 at 11:04 PM
This is not just "NCAR boosterism," folks. There are multiple empirical measures by which this is correct--and also, if you took a random sampling of atmospheric & Earth scientists from around the world, I'd bet that a substantial majority of them would agree. NCAR is truly irreplaceable.
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
Behold: the first-ever list of news outlets that have banned generative AI in their reporting. As of today, this is literally information that you cannot find on Google.
My goal is to fill the starter pack, so please send over suggestions with supporting evidence!
go.bsky.app/8cn1XfT
My goal is to fill the starter pack, so please send over suggestions with supporting evidence!
go.bsky.app/8cn1XfT
December 17, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Behold: the first-ever list of news outlets that have banned generative AI in their reporting. As of today, this is literally information that you cannot find on Google.
My goal is to fill the starter pack, so please send over suggestions with supporting evidence!
go.bsky.app/8cn1XfT
My goal is to fill the starter pack, so please send over suggestions with supporting evidence!
go.bsky.app/8cn1XfT
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
WCRP’s APARC releases a landmark report on global atmospheric impacts of the 2022 Hunga volcanic eruption.
159 scientists. 21 countries. 3 years. One report.
More information here: https://loom.ly/bF203o8
#WCRP #APARC #ClimateScience #HungaEruption
159 scientists. 21 countries. 3 years. One report.
More information here: https://loom.ly/bF203o8
#WCRP #APARC #ClimateScience #HungaEruption
December 18, 2025 at 7:03 PM
WCRP’s APARC releases a landmark report on global atmospheric impacts of the 2022 Hunga volcanic eruption.
159 scientists. 21 countries. 3 years. One report.
More information here: https://loom.ly/bF203o8
#WCRP #APARC #ClimateScience #HungaEruption
159 scientists. 21 countries. 3 years. One report.
More information here: https://loom.ly/bF203o8
#WCRP #APARC #ClimateScience #HungaEruption
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
First-of-a-kind study shows encouraging data for trans kids who socially transition
Ninety-four percent of participants in a new study stood firm in their trans identity after five years, and "detransitioning" is rare.
www.popsci.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:16 PM
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
NCAR folks, especially folks who are currently here at AGU -- I know it's a really tough day amid a week that was supposed to be about celebrating science. Would be interested in how you're feeling and how this has affected your week and your presentations. I'm on Signal @chelseaeharvey.01
December 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM
NCAR folks, especially folks who are currently here at AGU -- I know it's a really tough day amid a week that was supposed to be about celebrating science. Would be interested in how you're feeling and how this has affected your week and your presentations. I'm on Signal @chelseaeharvey.01
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
Should scientists apply to OpenAI's fund for research on AI & mental health? Should policymakers consider it a credible safety effort?
Avriel Epps & I see it as "grantwashing," and it's an insult to anyone whose loved one's death involved chatbots. We explain:
www.techpolicy.press/beware-of-op...
Avriel Epps & I see it as "grantwashing," and it's an insult to anyone whose loved one's death involved chatbots. We explain:
www.techpolicy.press/beware-of-op...
Beware of OpenAI's 'Grantwashing' on AI Harms | TechPolicy.Press
J. Nathan Matias and Avriel Epps say OpenAI's announced research funding is the perfect corporate action to make sure we don't find answers for years.
www.techpolicy.press
December 18, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Should scientists apply to OpenAI's fund for research on AI & mental health? Should policymakers consider it a credible safety effort?
Avriel Epps & I see it as "grantwashing," and it's an insult to anyone whose loved one's death involved chatbots. We explain:
www.techpolicy.press/beware-of-op...
Avriel Epps & I see it as "grantwashing," and it's an insult to anyone whose loved one's death involved chatbots. We explain:
www.techpolicy.press/beware-of-op...
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
This OpEd is a prime example of the thesis of my book: climate policymaking isn’t actually polarized, but instead unified around a center that dismisses climate science and lies about the economics of fossil fuels.
Matt Yglesias has a "Democrats should support more fossil fuel production" OpEd in the Times today, which criticizes me for saying that energy policy should try to uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement.
December 18, 2025 at 7:59 PM
This OpEd is a prime example of the thesis of my book: climate policymaking isn’t actually polarized, but instead unified around a center that dismisses climate science and lies about the economics of fossil fuels.
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
This tracks with my experience. DHS made up stories like this in Chicago, too. Every story ICE told about being attacked by community members was debunked in court. To assume anything they say is even potentially credible is irresponsible and out of touch with reality.
Re: the ICE actions in south Minneapolis Monday. DHS said "rioters" attacked officers with rocks and pepper spray. Note: I received lots of evidence and didn't see any rocks, the only pepper spray I saw was ICE agents sometimes spraying each other. I did see snow and possibly ice being thrown. (1)
December 17, 2025 at 4:00 AM
This tracks with my experience. DHS made up stories like this in Chicago, too. Every story ICE told about being attacked by community members was debunked in court. To assume anything they say is even potentially credible is irresponsible and out of touch with reality.
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
Before the 1990s, plane crashes caused by microbursts used to kill planeloads of people fairly regularly.
Dr. Ted Fujita and NCAR scientists figured out how to detect microbursts and warn pilots about them.
Since then? Zero airliner crashes from microbursts.
Dr. Ted Fujita and NCAR scientists figured out how to detect microbursts and warn pilots about them.
Since then? Zero airliner crashes from microbursts.
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Before the 1990s, plane crashes caused by microbursts used to kill planeloads of people fairly regularly.
Dr. Ted Fujita and NCAR scientists figured out how to detect microbursts and warn pilots about them.
Since then? Zero airliner crashes from microbursts.
Dr. Ted Fujita and NCAR scientists figured out how to detect microbursts and warn pilots about them.
Since then? Zero airliner crashes from microbursts.
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
December 17, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
my prediction
- A major accident is inevitable, if this trajectory keeps
- It'll create a material and perhaps global backlash against nuclear
- Nuclear advocates will blame environmentalists, not the libertarian deregulation techbros who are creating the conditions for total failure
- A major accident is inevitable, if this trajectory keeps
- It'll create a material and perhaps global backlash against nuclear
- Nuclear advocates will blame environmentalists, not the libertarian deregulation techbros who are creating the conditions for total failure
NEW: Trump's new Reactor Pilot Program is rushing to build at least 3 experimental reactor designs by July 4, 2026.
Here's a deep look at the program and why it's raising safety concerns.
For the nuke nerds, I'll also highlight what's new in this 🧵
www.npr.org/2025/12/17/n...
Here's a deep look at the program and why it's raising safety concerns.
For the nuke nerds, I'll also highlight what's new in this 🧵
www.npr.org/2025/12/17/n...
Trump's rush to build nuclear reactors across the U.S. raises safety worries
A new program at the Department of Energy is pushing the development of nearly a dozen new reactor designs at breakneck speed.
www.npr.org
December 17, 2025 at 8:02 PM
my prediction
- A major accident is inevitable, if this trajectory keeps
- It'll create a material and perhaps global backlash against nuclear
- Nuclear advocates will blame environmentalists, not the libertarian deregulation techbros who are creating the conditions for total failure
- A major accident is inevitable, if this trajectory keeps
- It'll create a material and perhaps global backlash against nuclear
- Nuclear advocates will blame environmentalists, not the libertarian deregulation techbros who are creating the conditions for total failure
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
AGU has a Congressional email and call script up on NCAR:
Save NCAR from being dismantled today!
The Trump Administration has vowed to dissolve the center that provides critical extreme weather and climate data for our nation.
agu.quorum.us
December 17, 2025 at 7:33 PM
AGU has a Congressional email and call script up on NCAR:
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
Here's our reporting on the proposed dismantling of the jewel of US atmospheric science, @ncar-ucar.bsky.social.
The plan is to break NCAR apart and disburse some parts to other locations (like the research aircraft fleet) and eliminate others.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪 #AGU25 #climate
The plan is to break NCAR apart and disburse some parts to other locations (like the research aircraft fleet) and eliminate others.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪 #AGU25 #climate
Trump team plans to break up ‘global mothership’ of climate science
Much of the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s non-climate portfolio will be dispersed, the White House says.
www.nature.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Here's our reporting on the proposed dismantling of the jewel of US atmospheric science, @ncar-ucar.bsky.social.
The plan is to break NCAR apart and disburse some parts to other locations (like the research aircraft fleet) and eliminate others.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪 #AGU25 #climate
The plan is to break NCAR apart and disburse some parts to other locations (like the research aircraft fleet) and eliminate others.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪 #AGU25 #climate
I'd like to see the outrage from all the tech giants who have boasted of their collaborations with NCAR, sourced talent from CESM workshops, and mined the LEs for their AI models.
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 4:23 AM
I'd like to see the outrage from all the tech giants who have boasted of their collaborations with NCAR, sourced talent from CESM workshops, and mined the LEs for their AI models.
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
Another insane move from the Trump regime.
One of NCAR's contributions to climate science is the development of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), which is used by researchers worldwide. Here's a simulation of air-sea CO₂ fluxes from CESM.
One of NCAR's contributions to climate science is the development of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), which is used by researchers worldwide. Here's a simulation of air-sea CO₂ fluxes from CESM.
December 17, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Another insane move from the Trump regime.
One of NCAR's contributions to climate science is the development of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), which is used by researchers worldwide. Here's a simulation of air-sea CO₂ fluxes from CESM.
One of NCAR's contributions to climate science is the development of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), which is used by researchers worldwide. Here's a simulation of air-sea CO₂ fluxes from CESM.
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
Unbelievable. This would be a terrible blow to American science, writ large. It would decimate not only climate research, but also the kind of weather, wildfire, and disaster research that has underpinned half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Unbelievable. This would be a terrible blow to American science, writ large. It would decimate not only climate research, but also the kind of weather, wildfire, and disaster research that has underpinned half a century of progress in prediction, early warning, and increased resilience.
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
The world's biggest earth science conference is happening right now, and there are literally hundreds of presentations involving NCAR people. It's impossible to understate how central the lab is to the climate and weather science enterprise
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 3:27 AM
The world's biggest earth science conference is happening right now, and there are literally hundreds of presentations involving NCAR people. It's impossible to understate how central the lab is to the climate and weather science enterprise
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
Hello Denver media & Colorado Congressional delegation: time to do some digging and identify who's been ordered to shut down NCAR and who gave the order. bsky.app/profile/coli...
This isn't as simple as the government shutting down an agency or an office; there's some program officers at NSF who have been given the order to carry out political interference on one of the most important grants in the country, and there are desperate scientists on the other end of that action
December 17, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Hello Denver media & Colorado Congressional delegation: time to do some digging and identify who's been ordered to shut down NCAR and who gave the order. bsky.app/profile/coli...
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
I've tried and failed a couple times to write a post explaining how serious this would be. NCAR is globally essential to our climate change response. This can't just be replaced. Every scientist in the world will be doing climate research with one hand tied behind their back for at least a decade
Exclusive: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado, according to a senior White House official, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
bit.ly
December 17, 2025 at 2:30 AM
I've tried and failed a couple times to write a post explaining how serious this would be. NCAR is globally essential to our climate change response. This can't just be replaced. Every scientist in the world will be doing climate research with one hand tied behind their back for at least a decade
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
Or rather, all too believable. If you want to suppress all knowledge of how a relatively small number are enriching themselves by destroying our shared home then this destruction, following on the heels of the funding freeze for the national Climate Adaptation Science Centers, is completely logical.
Trump officials shut off funding for climate adaptation centers
A third of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Climate Adaptation Science Centers are expected to drastically wind down and possibly close after Sept. 30.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 17, 2025 at 3:02 AM
Or rather, all too believable. If you want to suppress all knowledge of how a relatively small number are enriching themselves by destroying our shared home then this destruction, following on the heels of the funding freeze for the national Climate Adaptation Science Centers, is completely logical.
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Wilka
NCAR is quite literally our global mothership.
Everyone who works in climate and weather has passed through its doors and benefited from its incredible resources.
Dismantling NCAR is like taking a sledgehammer to the keystone holding up our scientific understanding of the planet.
Unbelievable.
Everyone who works in climate and weather has passed through its doors and benefited from its incredible resources.
Dismantling NCAR is like taking a sledgehammer to the keystone holding up our scientific understanding of the planet.
Unbelievable.
Trump moves to dismantle major US climate research center in Colorado
The Trump administration is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research, taking aim at one of the world's leading climate research labs.
www.usatoday.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:59 AM
NCAR is quite literally our global mothership.
Everyone who works in climate and weather has passed through its doors and benefited from its incredible resources.
Dismantling NCAR is like taking a sledgehammer to the keystone holding up our scientific understanding of the planet.
Unbelievable.
Everyone who works in climate and weather has passed through its doors and benefited from its incredible resources.
Dismantling NCAR is like taking a sledgehammer to the keystone holding up our scientific understanding of the planet.
Unbelievable.