Chicago has been facing drastic changes in weather for the past few weeks. From 70 degrees one day to snowing the next, it is getting hard to predict what the forecast will be as the season transitions into spring. Snowfall in March and April is not unusual to Chicagoans, as weather fluctuations have become the new normal. However, NBC Chicago reported that the winter from 2024-2025 accounted for the least amount of snow since 1944, suggesting that this weather change is abnormal.

What is also changing is much of the government’s funding. Decisions are being made to allocate money differently, and some of these decisions relate to issues/programs with climate change and the environment.

According to the EPA, its administrator, Lee Zeldin, cut over 400 grants for EPA programs. More recently, as reported by CBS News, the EPA attempted to cancel $20 million worth of grants regarding climate change on March 18th, but a judge blocked this decision.

Along with cutting funding from climate programs run by government agencies, funds taken from colleges and universities are also harming climate efforts. Colleges with climate and environmental research, specifically Princeton, are receiving funding cuts regarding their studies. With money being withdrawn from universities as the presidential term continues, there is potential for other decisions to further affect climate efforts, raising concerns amidst abnormal weather patterns.