Donald Trump's Nonchalant View on Climate Science

thị trường crypto In November 2015, during what many viewed as an improbable bid for the presidency, Donald Trump published a book titled Crippled America. Within its pages, Trump outlined his perspectives on various issues plaguing the United States, attributing blame primarily to immigrants, Barack Obama, the media he deemed "often pathetic," and what he called the "total losers" in Congress.

This book, which marked Trump’s 18th publication, is characterized by its self-promoting nature. In it, he portrays his brand as “one of the world’s great icons of quality and excellence.” He boasts, "Donald Trump builds businesses. Donald Trump builds buildings. Donald Trump develops magnificent golf courses. Donald Trump makes investments that create jobs. And Donald Trump creates jobs for legal immigrants and all Americans.”

Having read Crippled America live for The Guardian, I found several of Trump’s complaints—focused on immigrants and a perceived decline in school discipline—typical of his rhetoric. However, one assertion that particularly stood out was his casual dismissal of the climate crisis. Trump wrote, "If you go back in history, you’ll find that the biggest tornadoes we’ve had in this country took place in the 1890s," a statement that is factually incorrect. He further claimed, "And the most hurricanes occurred in the 1860s and 70s," which is also inaccurate. Concluding his remarks, he stated, "Violent climate ‘changes’ are nothing new. We have even had ice ages,” despite the fact that there has not been an ice age in the last 160 years. Trump then asserted, "I just don’t happen to believe they are man-made."

Donald Trump's Nonchalant View on Climate Science During a press conference at Trump Tower in Manhattan on the day Crippled America was released, I seized the opportunity to ask Trump why he didn't accept the reality of climate change. After a brief pause, he responded, "OK, what else," and quickly pivoted to another reporter. While his dismissal of my question was not particularly significant in the grand scheme, it illustrated a larger issue: his flippant disregard for scientific consensus could have serious implications.

As Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc across the Caribbean, scientists assert that its rapid intensification may be linked to the alarming warming of the world’s oceans—a phenomenon Trump does not acknowledge. Furthermore, as global leaders prepare for the upcoming Cop30 climate summit in Brazil next month, it is anticipated that there will be no official delegation from the United States. On his first day in office, Trump made the decision to withdraw the U.S., the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, from the Paris climate agreement.

Trump and Xi Forge Trade Agreement During Historic Meeting In addition to his withdrawal from international climate commitments, Trump’s peculiar animosity towards renewable energy sources—exemplified by his claim that wind farms are making whales "loco"—has caused the U.S. to lag behind other nations in the transition to cleaner energy. As my colleague Oliver Milman noted, Trump has positioned himself as “the planet’s foremost advocate of fossil fuels.”

Since assuming office, Trump has initiated a series of measures that further jeopardize environmental protections. Within the first 100 days of his second term, he has escalated assaults on the environment, raising concerns among scientists and advocates alike.

Trump's dismissive attitude towards climate science and his policies have profound implications not just for the United States but for the entire planet. As the evidence surrounding climate change becomes increasingly irrefutable, the consequences of ignoring scientific consensus could prove disastrous. The intersection of politics and environmental science remains a critical battleground as we move forward in addressing the climate crisis.