Medical Experts Warn: EPA’s Move to Relax Greenhouse Gas Emission Restrictions Could Impact Public Health

Some medical experts are sounding the alarm about the potential consequences of rolling back regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. They argue that doing so could lead to a rise in respiratory issues, including asthma and worsening conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Recently, the Trump-era Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed to revoke a critical finding that climate change threatens public health. According to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, this finding is a significant financial burden, costing the economy tens of billions of dollars annually.

However, the Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action (MiCCA) firmly disagrees. They stress that the removal of these protections could have dire consequences for public health and the ongoing fight against climate change. Dr. Alexander Rabin, a Clinical Associate Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan and a member of MiCCA, emphasized the clear connection between air quality and health outcomes.

“We will see an increase in illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations,” he said. His focus is primarily on elderly patients suffering from lung diseases, but he pointed out that the impact reaches wider. “Everyone has families—children and grandchildren. We all share the same air, regardless of our political views.”

Statistics paint a stark picture. Recent studies reveal that climate change disproportionately affects children, putting them at greater risk of health problems. If the EPA finalizes its plan to drop greenhouse gas restrictions, environmental organizations are expected to fight this decision in court.

Overall, as the discussion around climate policy continues, it’s evident that public health and environmental health are deeply intertwined. The need for comprehensive action is more vital than ever.



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