The Daily The White House Plan to Change Climate Science
May 29, 2019
Coral Davenport, an energy and environmental policy reporter for The New York Times, dives into the Trump administration's efforts to undermine climate science. She discusses the 2018 National Climate Assessment, which warns of severe consequences from climate change. Davenport highlights attempts to restrict and manipulate climate reporting, raising concerns about the integrity of scientific data. The conversation also touches on the implications of rising carbon dioxide levels and ongoing legal battles, emphasizing the urgency for accurate climate information.
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Report Release
- In November 2018, the U.S. government released the National Climate Assessment, a comprehensive report on climate change impacts.
- The Trump administration released it quietly during Thanksgiving week, seemingly attempting to bury the news.
Report Findings vs. Policy
- The report's findings contradicted the Trump administration's policies by projecting significant economic damage from climate change.
- It predicted substantial GDP loss and damage to coastal properties, undermining the administration's deregulation agenda.
Legal Implications of Report
- Trump officials recognized the report's legal implications, fearing opponents would use it to challenge deregulation policies in court.
- The report could invalidate policies by demonstrating their negative economic impact, contradicting legal justifications.