EPA Faces Criticism for Altering Climate Change Information

The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has come under fire for removing mentions of fossil fuels from its climate change website, a move characterized as misleading by scientists and environmentalists.

According to the Monterey Herald, the changes occurred recently, with references to fossil fuels, which are recognized as the primary drivers of climate change, being replaced by discussions of natural phenomena like solar activity and volcanic eruptions.

Seven scientists, including University of California's Daniel Swain, criticized the alteration, highlighting that nearly all current warming is due to human activity. Former EPA officials echoed this sentiment, with Jane Lubchenco, former NOAA chief, stating that people have a right to know the truth about climate change.

The alterations come amidst a broader narrative of the Trump administration distancing itself from previous climate policies, with EPA spokesperson Brigit Hirsch claiming the agency is focused on protecting human health rather than adhering to 'left-wing political agendas.' Several critical resources, including information about rising sea levels and Arctic ice shrinkage, have also reportedly been removed or rendered inaccessible.

The Straits Times noted that these changes have been seen as part of a larger effort to promote fossil fuel interests, aligning with President Trump's history of denouncing sustainable energy sources. Dr.

Swain called the website changes one of the most significant scrubbings of climate information, indicating a troubling trend in how climate science is represented to the public. Overall, the move has raised serious concerns about transparency and the accountability of environmental policy at the federal level.