Union of Concerned Scientists

@ucs

The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. ucs.org

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Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· 26d

We are joining more than 130 groups in calling on Congress to hold ICE and the Department of Homeland Security accountable. Read the coalition letter: 🔗 civilrights.org/resource/ice...

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· 29d

"Resistance requires risk-taking and strategy, and the best way to nurture noncooperation is to join a group of people who share values and organize together." @juliaangwin.com & @fieldsmeyer.com. Join us tomorrow as we organize together to protect science & democracy: act.ucsusa.org/4yeoiuA

Science Rising national call, “How to Be Courageous in an Age of Fear,” featuring authors Ami Fields-Meyer and Julia Angwin discussing their book. July 14, 3–4 p.m. EST. Registration link included.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jul 12

"…no president can make a living being abandon their deepest sense of right and wrong." Join our next Science Rising National Call to learn more from @juliaangwin.com & @fieldsmeyer.com, co-authors of the just-released book (and NYT bestseller), On Courage: How to Be a Dissident in an Age of Fear.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jul 6

Join UCS and partners for a free, monthly virtual screening series of "Vs. Goliath"—a powerful, award-winning new documentary series following everyday people across the United States as they stand up to the fossil fuel industry & fight for the future of their communities.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jul 1

Protecting #ACF's public fleet standard will deliver the market certainty that manufacturers, utilities, and charging providers need to invest in #CA, creating good, clean economy jobs. Vote NO on #AB1436. @senatorgonzalez.bsky.social @carolinemenjivar @bsky.social @senbenallen.bsky.social

Vote No on AB1436 because it costs taxpayers money, risks jobs and infrastructure, harms California's EV leadership, and means more air pollution.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 24

UCS Scientist Dr. Jessica Dunn testifies in Congress on how recycling electric vehicle batteries and strong environmental safeguards can support a sustainable transportation future. WATCH: m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul3e...

UCS Scientist Dr. Jessica Dunn testifying in Congress

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 23

Today, UCS released the Attacks on Science Tracker, an interactive tool that documents the second Trump admin’s ferocious, wide-ranging attacks on science & scientific integrity. The tool reveals a coordinated pattern of undermining science and expertise in the federal govt. ➡️ attacksonscience.org

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 17

1/ It’s a dangerous week in climate for Texans and World Cup goers: both extreme precipitation and heat are threatening large areas, including match-hosting Houston and Dallas. Humid, hot conditions are driving up the heat index and “real feel” temps, which could top 115°F in places.

Alt description (for visually impaired users):
A color-coded weather map of Texas and nearby parts of the southern United States showing apparent temperature (heat index) values for the afternoon of Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 5 PM EDT.
The map uses a gradient scale at the top ranging from -10 to 130+ degrees Fahrenheit, with colors transitioning from light purple and blue (cooler) to yellow, orange, and deep red (extreme heat). Most of the map is shaded in orange to deep red, indicating very high heat index values.
Across Texas, the majority of cities are labeled with temperatures between 104°F and 115°F, with even higher values in the southern and coastal regions:

Central Texas (including Austin and surrounding areas): around 110°F to 113°F
Dallas–Fort Worth area: approximately 107°F to 109°F
East Texas: around 105°F to 110°F
West Texas: roughly 99°F to 108°F

The hottest area is South Texas, especially along the lower Rio Grande Valley:

Cities near the southern border show extreme values of 117°F to 122°F
These areas are shaded in the darkest red, indicating the highest heat index levels on the map

Along the Texas Gulf Coast, temperatures range from about 100°F to 108°F, slightly cooler than inland southern areas but still very hot.
Parts of neighboring states (such as Louisiana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico) are also visible, showing similar but slightly lower heat index values, mostly between 100°F and 110°F.
At the bottom of the image, text reads:

“Apparent Temperature valid at: Thu, Jun 18 2026, 5 PM EDT”
“National Digital Forecast Database”
“Issued: Jun 17 2026, 1:30 PM EDT”
NOAA and National Weather Service logos appear in the lower corners.

Overall, the map depicts widespread extreme heat conditions across Texas, with dangerous heat index values especially concentrated in the southern portion of the state.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 15

🌲On Friday, a US District Court issued an order stopping the Trump administration from censoring US history and science and ordering the restoration of unlawfully censored information displayed in America’s largest classroom—our national parks. Read UCS statement: act.ucsusa.org/4uCWb5c

Quote by Dr. Gretchen Goldman, president of UCS: “This is a win for science and for ensuring that all visitors to our national parks can learn the truth about our nation’s history and climate.”

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 9

7/ What can you do about it? As we say in our blog above, “stay safe, stay mad, and demand better” - consult the forecast, check in on your neighbors, and demand that Congress protect the tools Americans rely on to navigate our changed climate. 🔗 weather.gov/safety/heat

Infographic titled “Extreme Heat Planning Timeline” showing three stages—Pre-Season, A Few Days Out, and During and After—with checklists for preparing for heat, including building an emergency kit, gathering supplies, staying cool, checking on others, and drinking water.

See more at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 9

2/ A major early-season heat wave will subject 150 million to 260 million people to moderate or greater heat risk between Tuesday and Friday. 🔗 wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/

Heat risk map of the United States showing widespread moderate to major heat (orange to red) across the South, Midwest, and East, with the most intense areas from Texas through the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic; lighter risk (yellow) in parts of the West and northern states.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 4

5/ At a time when ocean heat, the slowing of the Gulf Stream & other major ocean changes are sending shock waves through scientific & decision-making circles, we need a greater understanding of what we’re facing, not self-imposed blind spots. Call on your members of Congress to stop this. 📸NOAA/NASA

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 4

4/ Changing ocean temperatures will bring various impacts to critical human & eco systems in various ways. Yet, as scientists work to understand these changes, the Trump admin is working to dismantle the ocean monitoring systems that make our knowledge & understanding possible. [📸D. Zimmerman, NOAA]

A red-and-white ocean buoy labeled “RAMA” floats in choppy water in the foreground, equipped with tall metal instruments and sensors, while a research ship sits in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 4

3/ The ocean has broken avg yearly temperature records for the past 9 years, sea surface temps recently broke monthly high records for thirteen consecutive months, and this year’s El Niño may help crown a new hottest year ever, in 2026 and/or 2027.

Line chart of global sea surface temperature by month.
The x‑axis shows months from January to December, and the y‑axis shows temperature in °C (about 19.8–21.2°C). Many thin gray lines represent yearly temperatures from 1991–2022. Three highlighted lines show recent years: 2023 (yellow), 2024 (orange), and 2025 (light red). A darker red line labeled 2026 tracks the current year.
All recent years sit above most historical gray lines, indicating warmer oceans. The 2026 line rises early in the year to just over 21°C around March–April, then gradually declines but remains higher than most past years. Labels include “Data: GLO12, ESA CCI” and Copernicus program logos at the bottom.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 4

2/ The ocean regulates Earth’s temperature by absorbing energy from the sun and distributing it around the planet. Over 90% of the excess energy trapped in Earth’s system because of fossil fuel emissions has been taken up by the ocean—and it’s starting to show. [📸Copernicus]

Diagram showing where excess heat from climate change goes.
Most excess energy (89%) is absorbed by the ocean, while smaller portions warm land (6%), ice/cryosphere (4%), and the atmosphere (1%). The graphic also shows greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O), incoming sunlight, outgoing infrared radiation, and impacts like rising sea level, melting sea ice, coral bleaching, hurricanes, and declining marine diversity.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 4

2/ Warehouses handling the goods we buy attract fossil fuel pollution! Here’s how the Clean Deliveries Act can protect the air New Yorkers breathe.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 3

If ever there was a time for scientists to step into our power, it is now! 📍TODAY: Join us for the national launch of #ScienceRising and learn how to get involved. Register here: act.ucsusa.org/49oOEPN

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Jun 2

Yesterday, the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act officially went live in Illinois! “By betting on efficiency, storage, long-term energy planning and the flexibility of the modern grid, CRGA offers a blueprint for how to keep the lights on and bills down.” Learn more: bit.ly/4wZuTs0

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· May 27

5/ Warehouses and electric trucks work together! Warehouses with rooftop solar and charging stations keep electric trucks moving. Intelligent Labor and Moving, a company based in Arlington, MA, is the living proof:

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· May 27

4/ Did you know the technology exists to move goods around the country without fossil fuels? Here’s how electric trucks and vans can help reduce pollution in the freight system:

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· May 27

Now is the time to speak out and take action against the anti-science and authoritarian actions of this administration! 📌One week from today! Join us for the national launch of #ScienceRising and learn how you can get involved. 🔗RSVP: act.ucsusa.org/49oOEPN

Promotional event graphic with a blue-to-orange gradient background over a faint U.S. map. Large bold text reads “Science Rising.” Above it: “The Union of Concerned Scientists invites you to join the public launch of.” Below: “as we rise to protect science and democracy!” Event details: Wednesday, June 3, 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET. Three circular headshots appear at the bottom with names and titles: Arati Prabhakar (former White House OSTP Director), Erica Chenoweth (Harvard Kennedy School professor), and Gretchen Goldman (UCS president and CEO). Footer reads: “RSVP at sciencerising.org.”

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· May 18

The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee released the BUILD America 250 Act, a bill that would decrease spending on public transit and rail and increase highway spending for the next five years. This hits both your wallet and the planet. Read our full statement: act.ucsusa.org/4wyitr3

“The public is asking for transportation investments that give families more options for getting around. What the committee released looks like the highway contractors’ wish list—no surprise given the influence D.C. trade groups have exerted over infrastructure policy."

-tatement from Steven Higashide, the director of the Clean Transportation Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS):

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· May 15

🔋🚗 Over a million EVs are already on the road—and counting. That increase will create a demand for more battery materials. Recycling older batteries from retired EVs could meet a good amount of that new demand, and doing so will mean less mining, which is a win for communities and the environment.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· May 14

1/ NEW: The Scientific Integrity Act has been re-introduced in the US Senate. This is an important step toward advancing this bill. Learn more: act.ucsusa.org/4dtzoSU #ScientificIntegrity

Quote from a blog by Joseph Reed, Policy Director at the Union of Concerned Scientists: "Federal scientific work must be independent and free from political interference, censorship, retaliation, or intimidation...Scientific integrity policies don’t just protect scientists—they protect all of us. "

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· May 12

🚌 Transportation in the US has historically been a bipartisan issue, but not under the second Trump administration. Steven Higashide, director of our Clean Transportation program, explains how Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is weaponizing the department to advance Trump’s authoritarian agenda.

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· May 8

In his new blog, UCS's @carlonimbus.bsky.social analyzes recently released documents suggesting that the Trump Administration's decision to restructure and break apart NCAR—putting critical, life-saving science at risk—is merely political. Read the blog: act.ucsusa.org/4uwIrt2

Quote from UCS's Dr. carlos Martinez: "The proposed changes reflect the deliberate effort to redefine the scope of NCAR’s scientific mission. That redefinition has major implications to our public safety, national security, and economic prosperity..."

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· May 7

UCS's Julian Reyes analyzes the impact of the Trump Administration’s plan to dismantle the world’s largest wildfire research agency at a time when wildfire risk, climate impacts, and economic losses are accelerating. Read his blog: act.ucsusa.org/4tW8cTz

Quote by Julian Reyes, UCS's Chief of Staff: "President Trump’s plan to diminish our knowledge about wildfires—especially going into a super El Niño year with significant drought risk—isn’t smart."

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· May 4

This Public Service Recognition Week, we celebrate public servants—including federal scientists—who uphold scientific integrity every day. When decisions are guided by evidence, not politics, government works better, and the American people are safer, healthier, and better served. #PSRW2026

Image of a scientist working on a lab, with the message "Thank you, public servants!" in the context of Public Service Recognition Week

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Apr 30

When millions move together, change happens. Tomorrow, in events across the country, millions will rise to protect our rights, our democracy, and to move the country toward a better future. Be part of it: : workers.fyi/UCS

Union of Concerned Scientists@ucs· Apr 29

History shows that a range of sustained, nonviolent mass actions are essential to counter rising authoritarianism, including strikes and economic boycotts. On May 1, millions will rise in solidarity to protect our rights, our democracy, and to put people before profits. Join us: workers.fyi/UCS