UPDATE: An urgent response from over 85 climate experts has been issued, condemning the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent report on greenhouse gases as “not scientifically credible.” The international group released a comprehensive 439-page review today, asserting that the DOE’s findings misrepresent current climate science and contain numerous significant errors.
The DOE’s 151-page report, titled “A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate,” reached controversial conclusions that downplay the economic impacts of carbon dioxide-induced warming. Notably, it claims that “aggressive mitigation strategies” may be more harmful than beneficial, a statement that raises alarms among climate scientists and environmental advocates alike.
“This report is a mockery of science,” stated Andrew Dessler, director of the Texas Center for Extreme Weather at Texas A&M University. He expressed his frustration on social media, rallying experts from the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Canada to scrutinize the DOE’s claims. Dessler highlighted that the review revealed “pervasive problems” with the original report, which he described as biased and riddled with errors.
The DOE report was authored by five individuals handpicked by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a former fossil fuel executive, raising concerns about the impartiality of the findings. Wright defended the report, stating, “Climate change is real, and it deserves attention. But it is not the greatest threat facing humanity.” Critics argue that this reflects a broader trend under the Trump administration to skew scientific reporting in favor of political agendas.
As of September 1, over 2,333 comments had already been submitted during the DOE’s public comment period, with many expressing skepticism about the report’s conclusions. Dessler emphasized the potential dangers of creating doubt about the significance of carbon dioxide emissions, saying, “They’re never going to convince people that carbon dioxide isn’t important.”
The American Meteorological Society also stepped in, releasing its own response to the DOE report, identifying “five foundational flaws” that contradict established scientific principles. Dessler noted that the review meticulously documented how the report selectively cited scientific literature, undermining its credibility.
This controversy is part of a larger movement among scientists and public health officials to counteract misinformation propagated by the federal government under the Trump administration. In recent months, numerous health organizations have issued guidelines that contradict government recommendations, reflecting a growing divide in how science is communicated to the public.
Dr. John Balbus, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Climate Change and Health Equity, criticized the administration’s approach to scientific integrity, stating, “It’s clear that this administration wants to take control, at the political level, of the scientific process.” He pointed to similar tactics used in other areas, such as vaccine research, where political appointees have produced misleading conclusions.
Despite the challenges, many scientists remain committed to addressing misinformation. “When you see nearly a thousand public servants risking their livelihoods to alert the public that senior officials cannot be trusted, that is a clear warning,” Balbus asserted, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance in protecting scientific integrity.
As this story develops, experts continue to call for transparency and adherence to credible scientific standards. The impact of these findings could influence public policy and perceptions of climate change for years to come. Stay tuned for further updates as this critical issue unfolds.