Former US President Barack Obama issued a warning regarding Donald Trump's recent decision to repeal the endangerment finding, a critical scientific conclusion established during Obama's presidency. This finding declared that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare by contributing to climate change and served as a legal foundation for imposing environmental regulations on emissions. Obama emphasized that Trump's action undermines significant protections that were designed to safeguard the wellbeing of Americans, insisting that it is motivated by the desire for the fossil fuel industry to profit further.

In his remarks, Obama pointed out the implications of this decision for American society, asserting that without the endangerment finding, citizens would face increased risks to their health and safety. According to him, this moves the nation further away from effectively addressing climate change, as it removes an essential safeguard against greenhouse gas emissions. This repeal could potentially have far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of environmental policy but also regarding public health, as vulnerable populations may be disproportionately affected by worsening air quality and climate crises.

The broader context of Obama's statement lies in the ongoing conflict over environmental regulations in the US, which has seen significant shifts between administrations. The former president's criticisms underscore a growing concern among climate activists and scientists regarding the rollback of regulations aimed at curbing emissions, highlighting the tension between the fossil fuel industry's interests and the imperative to protect the environment and public health.