Scientists in the United States and beyond are poised to resist the latest climate moves of Donald Trump. The president, long a climate denialist, is not only dismantling national scientific agencies but also attempting to formally “revoke” the scientific consensus on climate change.
Trump‑Led Environmental Agency’s Announcement
The situation is so peculiar that it could best be described by the saying, “Knock the thermometer and you won’t have a fever.” President Donald Trump, through the American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced a plan to withdraw a document that recognizes greenhouse gases and the climate changes they cause as a threat to public health.
The Endangerment Finding of 2009
The document, named the Endangerment Finding, has been the foundation for EPA actions concerning climate change and vehicle emissions since 2009. The agency formally accepted, based on scientific knowledge, that CO₂ and other greenhouse gases emitted by combustion engines pose a public health threat by driving climate change.
EPA’s Mandate and the New Trump Decision
EPA’s role is to counteract such dangers to people, so the formal designation of greenhouse gases as hazardous provided the basis for regulation. The current Trump administration justifies its actions against the Endangerment Finding by citing that its regulations have led to automotive industry rules and targets for electric vehicle market share.
The New Report’s Flawed Conclusions
A 150‑page report titled “Critical Review of the Impact of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the United States Climate” concluded that anthropogenic climate change appears less harmful to the economy than widely thought, and that aggressive mitigation strategies might cause more damage than benefit. These statements echo long‑used denier arguments and directly contradict the consensus of climate science and thousands of experts’ reports.
Experts Denounce the Report
The report also argued that other studies overstate the risks of sea‑level rise and extreme weather. In an interview, Professor Michael Mann of the University of Pennsylvania said the government report repeats discredited theses used by a small number of climate‑denial scientists. Five known deniers authored the report, all of whom have previously challenged the scientific consensus.
Scientific Community Pushes Back
Joellen Russell, an oceanographer at the University of Arizona, wrote that the brief report aims to stifle science rather than support it, as published in Nature. The Department of Environment report entered a 30‑day public consultation, and scientists worldwide are working to correct its claims.
National Academy’s Analysis
The National Academy of Sciences is preparing an analysis of the government report, with dozens of specialists volunteering. The study is slated for release in September, so that EPA can formally consider it when deciding on the Endangerment Finding.
Trump’s Climate Ideology in Action
From his first term, Trump has waged an ideological battle against climate facts. He uses presidential decrees and appointments in institutions like NASA and EPA to dismantle U.S. climate efforts, withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, undercuts the electric‑vehicle and wind‑turbine sectors, and supports fossil‑fuel giants. His administration also weakens climate research institutions and preparedness for extreme events such as hurricanes.
