Green Junction - A Warming World: The Risks of Rolling Back Climate Protections

The recent news that August 2026 was the warmest ever recorded was not surprising given the reports throughout the summer of record temperatures across the globe. Concurrently and inexplicably, the United States leadership announced plans to allow the release of more greenhouse gases that elevate the climate crisis. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), which was created to “to protect human health and the environment,” issued its plan this month to remove restrictions on climate pollution emitted from power plants. 

To effectively address climate change and lessen the global threats, responsible governments must restrict the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the major sources. Power plants that generate electricity in the United States are the second largest emitters of carbon dioxide. The decision to remove limits on these emissions is contrary to requirements for protection of human and environmental health and a viable planet for future generations.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court dismantled the legal foundation for regulation of greenhouse gases. The EPA website states “Absent this finding, EPA lacks statutory authority under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act to prescribe standards for GHG emissions.” These major shifts by the EPA align with other decisions over the past 18 months that eliminate or lessen restrictions on greenhouse gas standards for i) car tailpipe emissions and ii) chemicals used in air-conditioners and refrigerators that are strong greenhouse gases.

The prize-winning economist, Paul Krugman, summarized the threats induced by current leadership: “On AI and climate, it’s the same story of mass destruction.” The US EPA was created by President Nixon in 1970, in response to the threats of pollution to environmental and human health. To serve the public, the greater good and our Common Home, laws based on sound science and clear evidence are critical.