On a recent episode of "Real Time," Bill Maher criticized Interior Secretary Doug Burgum over the Trump administration's decision to rollback environmental regulations, specifically greenhouse gas rules established during Obama’s presidency. Maher highlighted Burgum's assertion that carbon dioxide (CO2) is not a pollutant and attempted to make a point about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) in a mocking experiment suggestion, although he confused the two gases in the process.

Maher's comments sparked considerable backlash on social media, as users pointed out the significance of understanding the differences between carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide when discussing environmental policies. The exchange illustrated broader tensions surrounding climate change and the debates over environmental regulations, especially among political figures. Critics of Burgum's stance, aligned with Maher's views, argue that a lack of rigorous environmental standards contributes to climate degradation.

This incident has reignited discussions on the importance of accurate communication in climate science, especially among public figures who address such critical issues. Maher's platform allows for widespread dissemination of views, but the miscommunication also highlights the need for better public understanding of environmental science to supercharge informed discussions on policy and its implications for the future.