Despite overwhelming evidence from the nation’s top scientific advisory bodies confirming the dangers of greenhouse gases, the Trump administration has taken a dramatic turn. It proposes to revoke a 16-year-old declaration that carbon dioxide emissions threaten public health, effectively stripping the Environmental Protection Agency of its power to regulate pollution from vehicles and power plants. This marks a concerning escalation from merely downplaying climate change to outright denying established science, as reported by climate policy expert Lisa Friedman.
Key Climate Decisions of Trump’s Second Term
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Ending Climate Protections: The most significant action is the proposed reversal of the “endangerment finding,” which previously allowed for federal regulation of carbon emissions.
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Dismantling Climate Science: The administration has systematically undermined climate research by defunding and removing the website of the U.S. Global Change Research Program. It also dismissed hundreds of scientists involved in the National Climate Assessment and established an alternative analysis penned by climate skeptics.
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War on Wind and Solar: President Trump is actively halting new renewable energy initiatives and has pushed for legislation that eliminates tax credits for wind and solar projects.
Why the Opposition to Green Technologies?
While the ties between the Republican party and fossil fuel industries are well-known, the intense opposition to solar and wind projects can seem perplexing. For instance, the President recently ordered the shutdown of a nearly completed $6 billion wind farm. Experts suggest this stance is largely ideological, and in the case of wind, deeply personal for President Trump. His dislike for wind energy reportedly stems from a past unsuccessful attempt to prevent an offshore wind farm near his Scottish golf course. Over time, support for renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and electric vehicles has become increasingly partisan, with a notable decline in Republican backing.
Can a Future Administration Undo These Changes?
A new president could, in theory, reverse these actions by re-establishing scientific analyses, climate protections, and renewable energy incentives. However, this would be a protracted and challenging endeavor, with some measures requiring congressional approval. Climate activists harbor a particular concern: the Supreme Court could potentially overturn the 2007 precedent that enables federal regulation of greenhouse gases. Should this occur, a future administration might find itself legally unable to reinstate these vital environmental safeguards.
Arguments from Climate Skeptics
Following the dismissal of numerous climate scientists, the administration commissioned a report by five new hires, asserting that climate change concerns are exaggerated. While these individuals do not deny human-induced planetary warming, they contend that a portion of the warming attributed to fossil fuels is actually a result of natural cycles or solar variations. They also challenge the notion of accelerating sea-level rise, claim that increased atmospheric carbon dioxide can enhance crop yields, and argue that the dangers of extreme weather events are overstated. These claims directly contradict the consensus of established scientific research.
Global Reactions to US Climate Policy
Last week, President Trump’s energy secretary urged European leaders to prioritize prosperity over “climate ideology,” advising them to abandon environmental regulations and increase natural gas purchases. International policymakers, accustomed to shifts between US administrations, have not mirrored these actions by withdrawing from the Paris Agreement or abandoning their own climate targets. However, they are complying with requests to buy more gas, a move that will hinder their environmental goals. While acknowledging the economic costs of climate action, global leaders also recognize the severe price of inaction, including extreme weather, deadly heat waves, species extinction, and diminishing crop yields due to rising global temperatures.
Cuts to Climate Data Collection
The Trump administration has ceased the collection of several critical climate datasets. Notable losses include an extreme-weather database that meticulously tracked natural disaster costs since 1980. Furthermore, major industrial facilities like power plants and oil refineries are no longer required to report their greenhouse gas emissions. A proposed budget cut also targets the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, which has been a continuous source of climate data for almost 70 years. Scientists warn that this suppression of data will severely impede our ability to comprehend the ongoing changes to our planet.
More on Climate
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It’s not just the US; a recent analysis suggests global disillusionment with climate politics.
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Upcoming discussions at a prominent climate conference will feature world leaders, energy officials, and activists, exploring future strategies.
Controversy: Jimmy Kimmel Show Suspended
ABC has indefinitely suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following comments made by Kimmel regarding Tyler Robinson, the individual accused in the shooting of Charlie Kirk. The controversy quickly gained widespread attention online. Kimmel’s Monday night monologue accused a political faction of trying to misrepresent Robinson, who he claimed murdered Charlie Kirk, for political gain. Prosecutors subsequently revealed private messages from Robinson expressing opposition to Kirk’s views and noted that Robinson’s mother reported her son had recently adopted stronger pro-LGBTQ+ stances. In response, the head of the F.C.C. criticized Kimmel’s statements as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, hinting at potential regulatory action against ABC. Hours later, Disney, the parent company of ABC, removed Kimmel’s show from its schedule.
Federal Reserve Actions
- The Federal Reserve implemented an expected quarter-percentage-point interest rate cut, with indications of further reductions this year.
- This decision impacts various personal finances, including car loans, credit cards, and mortgages.
Vaccine Policy Changes
- Former C.D.C. chief Dr. Susan Monarez testified to senators, asserting her dismissal by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was due to her commitment to scientific integrity regarding vaccines.
- The C.D.C.’s vaccine advisory committee, with its newly appointed members under Kennedy, is scheduled to review immunizations for Covid, hepatitis B, and M.M.R.V. today.
- A prominent Republican senator expressed concerns that any alterations to the childhood vaccine schedule by the committee would erode public trust.
President Trump’s State Visit to Britain
- President Trump was reportedly enchanted by a lavish state banquet with the British royal family, held at Windsor Castle.
- The exclusive guest list included prominent tech executives, bankers, media figures, and intelligence officials.
- Melania Trump made a fashion statement with another distinctive hat, while the menu featured exquisite dishes and symbolic vintage drinks.
- The ceremonial grandeur served as a prelude to President Trump’s crucial meeting with Keir Starmer, a strong advocate for Ukraine, where significant business deals are anticipated.
Political Updates
- An immigration judge has issued a deportation order for Mahmoud Khalil, a US legal permanent resident, to either Syria or Algeria.
- Rudy Giuliani has been ordered to pay $1.3 million in legal fees related to criminal investigations from his work with former President Trump.
Developments from Russia
- Aleksei Navalny’s widow states that her husband’s final moments, marked by vomiting and convulsions in prison, confirm he was poisoned by the Russian government.
- The US has committed substantial investments in Ukrainian mineral reserves, a move intended to alleviate concerns about potential US withdrawal from supporting Ukraine.
Other Major Headlines
- Three police officers were killed and two injured while serving a warrant in southeast Pennsylvania.
- Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, resigned, citing parent company Unilever’s suppression of the brand’s activism.
- The ethical implications of implanting pig organs into human patients are being raised, particularly regarding compliance with Jewish and Muslim religious laws.
Opinion Pieces
- One columnist explores whether Democrats should simultaneously focus on safeguarding democracy and critiquing Trump’s economic record.
- Another piece discusses the deportation of South Korean workers.
Morning Reads
- Spheroid Scandal: Organizers of the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland allege some competitors tampered with their stones.
- Tinsel Teeth: Once a source of self-consciousness, metal braces are now considered fashionable among younger generations.
- Evolutionary Insight: Research into human hand evolution may reveal unexpected connections to other parts of the body.
- Manufacturing Shifts: Vietnam is increasingly becoming the primary hub for sneaker production, surpassing China.
- Lives Remembered: John Luckadoo, the last surviving pilot from the renowned Bloody 100th unit of WWII, passed away at 103, having flown 25 missions over German territory.
Sports Highlights
- NFL: The Washington Commanders are set to return to Washington D.C. after a $3.8 billion development project, including a new 65,000-seat stadium, received council approval.
- NCAA: College football’s spring transfer portal has been eliminated, with future discussions focusing on the details of the single winter transfer window.
David Bowie: A Creative Legacy Unveiled
An extraordinary archive of David Bowie’s work, including costumes, personal photographs, songwriting process collages, and sketches for an uncompleted musical, has been made accessible to fans and scholars in London. This vast 90,000-item collection offers profound insight into Bowie’s artistic essence, revealing him as an artist whose genius was cultivated through diligent effort, continuous experimentation, and collaborative spirit, alongside his innate talent.
Culture Notes
- Gwyneth Paltrow has re-entered the fashion world with a new line, showcased in an apartment-like setting featuring personal touches.
- Israel’s culture minister intends to withdraw funding from a national film award ceremony after a Palestinian-focused drama received the top honor, making it Israel’s automatic submission for an international Oscar.
Morning Recommendations
- Bake: An exquisite Polish cherry cake.
- Read: ‘All Consuming,’ a book exploring the complexities of contemporary food culture.
- Organize: A space-saving bike rack for compact living areas.
Daily Games
- Today’s Spelling Bee challenge, with yesterday’s pangrams being ‘linocut’ and ‘locution.’
- Access today’s Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections, Sports Connections, and Strands.
Closing Remarks
Thank you for starting your day with us. We look forward to connecting with you again tomorrow. If you wish to receive this newsletter directly in your inbox, please consider subscribing. Our team can be reached at our dedicated email address for any inquiries. (Amelia Nierenberg contributed to this newsletter.)