EPA Alters Online Climate Change Information, Raising Concerns Among Experts
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently revised its online content about the causes of climate change, notably omitting references to fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These changes have sparked criticism from scientists and former EPA officials who argue that fossil fuels are the primary contributors to global warming.
The EPA’s updated climate change page now lists natural phenomena like Earth’s orbital changes, solar activity, and volcanic eruptions as causes but does not include human activities such as burning fossil fuels, which scientists attribute as the main factor of recent climate changes. Daniel Swain, a climate scientist from the University of California, expressed concern over the changes, stating that the site has become a less reliable resource for educators and the public.
Earlier in the year, the Trump Administration also removed the national climate assessment from government websites. Jane Lubchenco, former head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, criticized these actions, asserting, “It is outrageous that our government is hiding information and lying. People have a right to know the truth about the things that affect their health and safety.”
An archived version of the EPA’s climate change page from October highlighted human activities as significant contributors to climate change. The current version, however, emphasizes natural processes, stating that recent climate changes cannot be explained by these alone.
EPA spokeswoman Brigit Hirsch defended the changes, emphasizing the agency’s focus on “protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback,” and criticized the previous administration’s approach as politically driven.
Critics, including former Republican Governor Christie Todd Whitman, argue that ignoring the role of fossil fuels does not negate the reality of climate change. Whitman stated, “You can refuse to talk about it, but it doesn’t make it go away.” Similarly, former EPA chief Gina McCarthy accused current Chief Lee Zeldin of undermining efforts to address climate issues.
According to climate experts, human activities account for nearly all the warming observed today, and without these, the Earth would likely be cooling. Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences, emphasized that there is a consensus among scientists on the human causes of climate change, supported by numerous NASEM reports.
Jeremy Symons, a former EPA climate advisor, compared the oversight to denying the link between smoking and lung cancer, underscoring the risks of ignoring fossil fuel pollution.
Michael Phillis contributed to this report.
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