The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently announced it will conduct a rapid review of the latest climate science. This comes as the Trump administration plans to repeal the 2009 determination that greenhouse gas emissions negatively impact human health and the environment.
Typically, the National Academies respond to requests from the government, but this time, they’re taking the initiative to fund their own study. They aim to release findings in September to influence the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision on the “endangerment finding,” which is crucial for regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences, emphasized the importance of basing federal policy on solid scientific evidence. “Decades of research show how greenhouse gases impact our climate, and we want to provide up-to-date information to policymakers,” she said.
The National Academies, formed in 1863, have a long history of providing independent, objective advice to guide public policies. The reaction to the Trump administration’s move to rescind the endangerment finding has been overwhelmingly critical. Bob Sussman, a former EPA official, stated, “The need for independent scientific advice is crucial.” He noted that the Academy’s fresh review is timely and necessary.
Interestingly, Andrew Dessler, a climate scientist from Texas A&M University, pointed out the inadequacy of the Department of Energy’s report, which relied on a small group of skeptics of climate science. Dessler is coordinating a response among 70 scientists to address concerns about that report, emphasizing the need for broad scientific consensus in climate policy.
In a recent survey, 70% of Americans now support stricter regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting growing public concern over climate change. This contrasts sharply with earlier years when such support hovered around 50%. Social media discussions indicate that people are eager for transparent and scientifically backed information regarding climate policy.
As the National Academies prepare for their review, the pressure will remain on the EPA and the current administration. The need for evidence-based policy is more important than ever, as the nation grapples with the ongoing effects of climate change.
For more details on climate science and its implications, you can visit the [National Academies](https://www.nationalacademies.org/topics/climate) for a deeper look.
