United States: Donald Trump established that greenhouse gases do not harm health and eliminated environmental regulations
President Donald Trump has reversed a key scientific decision from the Obama era regarding greenhouse gases, stating they are not a threat to public health and leading to significant environmental deregulation.
On a recent Thursday, President Donald Trump made a landmark decision that overturned a crucial scientific finding from the Obama administration, declaring that greenhouse gases do not pose a threat to public health. This move is seen as part of a broader deregulatory agenda, with Trump labeling it the "greatest deregulation in U.S. history." The initial scientific warning, known as the "endangerment finding," was established in 2009 and served as the legal foundation for federal efforts to control emissions, primarily targeting the automotive sector.
By eliminating these regulations, the Trump administration aims to lift limits on carbon dioxide, methane, and several other greenhouse gases. Environmental scientists and advocates have expressed serious concerns about this decision, as these gases significantly contribute to climate-change-related phenomena such as extreme weather patterns, including heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires. The implications could be severe, as this regulatory rollback aligns with Trump's overall strategy to prioritize economic growth over environmental sustainability.
The deregulation is likely to face legal challenges from environmental groups who contend that ignoring scientific evidence on the health impacts of greenhouse gases undermines public safety and environmental protection. This development not only shifts the U.S. approach to climate change but also sets a concerning precedent for future environmental policy during Trump's presidency.