Trump cancels Nasa climate lab's lease with Columbia university, threatens Earth Science work

The Nasa Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), a leading global climate research centre based in New York City, was forced to vacate its long-time office after the Trump administration cancelled its lease with Columbia University. The closure took effect on 31 May, with staff working remotely while the agency looks for a new location.

The GISS lab, located above the diner on the Upper West Side of Manhattan that was featured in the TV show “Seinfeld,” has been a hub for climate modelling and space science for decades. The lab’s scientists have worked closely with Columbia researchers to study the Earth’s changing atmosphere and predict future climate trends.

In an internal email obtained by CNN, Nasa Goddard director Mackenzie Lystrup told employees that while the physical space is closing, the lab’s mission will continue. “GISS has a significant place in the history of space science, for decades leading groundbreaking work in understanding planetary atmospheres and systems, especially that of our own Earth. And while the lease is ending, the institute’s mission continues.”

“The work continues, the data, the products, the science will continue because science is done by people, not by buildings said Gavin Schmidt, director of GISS, in an interview with CNN.

A Nasa insider described the decision to CNN as “demoralising,” especially with fears of more cuts to Earth science looming.

The closure comes amid a broader standoff between the Trump administration and major universities, including Columbia, over policies on antisemitism and diversity.