The latest National Climate Assessment reveals alarming changes caused by climate change in the U.S. However, the Trump administration is considering modifications that may weaken its scientific integrity. The discussion highlights concerns about integrating industry voices in a crucial report, raising doubts about its reliability. Additionally, the podcast unpacks political strategies aimed at undermining climate science and policy, potentially impacting future legislation. A fascinating look at the intersection of politics and environmental science!
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Quick takeaways
The National Climate Assessment is crucial for local governments to make informed infrastructure decisions in response to climate impacts.
The Trump administration's proposed changes to the report could undermine established climate science and hinder effective climate policy.
Deep dives
Impact of the National Climate Assessment
The National Climate Assessment is a vital report that compiles extensive climate science over a four-year cycle, illustrating how climate change impacts the United States. It serves as a key resource for local governments to make informed decisions on infrastructure planning, particularly in response to challenges such as sea level rise and drought. The report draws on a wide array of research and expertise, making it a comprehensive and user-friendly document reflecting the latest findings in climate science. Its significance is heightened as it provides essential data for policymakers, helping them address critical climate-related issues across different regions.
Proposed Changes Under the Trump Administration
The Trump administration aims to significantly reshape the National Climate Assessment by incorporating more industry-friendly perspectives, which could cloud established climate science. Russ Vogt, a key figure in this effort, believes that altering the report to cast doubt on climate change could assist industries in opposing climate regulations in court. This strategy involves presenting government-sanctioned narratives that downplay the severity of climate threats, contradicting the overwhelming consensus among scientists on the human impact on global warming. If successful, these changes could undermine the foundation of U.S. climate policy, casting uncertainty on the urgency of addressing climate change effectively.
Every few years, the federal government publishes the National Climate Assessment, which chronicles how climate change is transforming and devastating the United States. But the next installment of that report could be dialed back because of the Trump administration, which wants to significantly change how the report is made. Producer Nirmal Mulaikal chats with Scott Waldman from POLITICO’s E&E News to learn more. Plus, a new document obtained by POLITICO lists a menu of items that Republicans are considering for cost-saving offsets for their planned package of tax cuts and other priorities.