Evidence Danger Of Greenhouse Gases Worsens

The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recently issued a report titled “Effects of Human-Caused Greenhouse Gas Emissions on U.S. Climate, Health, and Welfare.” It primarily contained information which has already been reported. 

The primary conclusion of the paper was that the EPA’s 2009 report on the danger of greenhouse gases is correct. “Emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from human activities are increasing the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere. Human activities, such as the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, cement and chemical production, deforestation, and agricultural activities, emit greenhouse gases, which include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases, into the atmosphere.”

The point of the paper was that a more extensive collection of data has buttressed conclusions that were first published over a decade ago.

The report comes at a time when the Trump Administration is tearing apart a large number of regulations put in place to slow or stop the progress of greenhouse gas emissions and their effects on global warming.

Greenhouse Gas Growth

The conclusions from the report almost certainly will not reverse the Trump decisions. He has rolled back regulations that monitor emissions, allowed broader production and exploration of fossil fuels, raised the use of coal by utilities that supply electricity for AI server farms, and undermined the construction of offshore wind installations.

The circumstances are similar to other attempts to continue the role of the US as a leader in the fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and thus global warming. For now, those are in the rear view mirror.