Supporting Signatories

The current administration is dismantling U.S. science-based agencies, defunding them, vilifying and firing their workers by the thousands, and clawing back billions in congressionally approved funds for vital research programs. 

We former and current employees and contractors of the National Geographic Society and National Geographic Partners, who have signed this letter and collectively represent over 7,500 years of experience, urge you now—without delay—to do everything in your power to push back against these unprecedented attacks. We urge you to affirm, with force and conviction, and in a sustained way, the primary importance of the work of these agencies.

For decades, National Geographic has been privileged to draw on the research and discoveries of organizations such as NOAA, NSF, NASA, NPS, EPA, NIH, USGS, USAID, and CDC. Many National Geographic Society grantees are themselves either funded by these groups or doing groundbreaking science under their aegis.

Federally supported science is at the heart of National Geographic’s mission—its lifeblood. It is also imperative for the success of our country’s economy and is the foundation of our progress and well-being.

For its part, National Geographic has played a leading role in bringing to the world knowledge hard-won by U.S. scientists. That knowledge bestows prestige upon our nation. It is Powell’s “emblem of hope.” It makes the United States—and the world—safer, stronger, more prosperous.

As of this writing, National Geographic has said nothing publicly in defense of federally supported scientific endeavors. Such defense is crucial, because the ongoing assaults on science undermine the nation—and tear at the roots of National Geographic’s mission-driven work. Faced with this degradation, how many of our best and brightest young people will turn away from the cause of science and exploration?

National Geographic has a uniquely powerful and respected voice. We implore you to raise it for the benefit of all by: 

• Mounting a public campaign to celebrate science and the crucial work of the federal agencies.
• Marshaling all media resources at your disposal to bring to public attention the stories of the scientists affected by these cuts and the essential work that is being lost.

Respectfully,