Trump Dismisses Climate Change Health Risks as Studies Warn of Dangers

Feb 13, 2026, 2:46 AM
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The Trump administration recently revoked a significant scientific finding that identified climate change as a danger to public health, a stance that former President Donald Trump has labeled a "scam." Despite this, numerous scientific studies demonstrate that climate change presents documented and quantifiable threats to human health, contributing to thousands of deaths and illnesses annually in a warming world.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finding, established in 2009 during the Obama administration, has served as the legal foundation for many regulations aimed at combating global warming. Researchers assert that the rescission of this finding undermines public health initiatives and scientific integrity. Dr Howard Frumkin, a professor emeritus of public health at the University of Washington, criticized the move, stating, "It boggles the mind that the administration is rescinding the endangerment finding; it's akin to insisting that the world is flat or denying that gravity is a thing".
A significant body of research indicates that climate change is increasingly dangerous. For instance, a study published in the JAMA journal highlights that US heat-related deaths have more than doubled from 1,069 in 1999 to a record high of 2,325 in 2023. Additionally, a 2021 study published in Nature Climate Change examined 732 locations across 43 countries, revealing that over one-third of heat-related deaths can be attributed to human-induced climate change. This equates to approximately 9,700 deaths globally each year due to the combustion of fossil fuels.
Recent findings from Texas suggest that 2.2% of summer deaths between 2010 and 2023 can be linked to increased heat, further emphasizing the direct impact of climate change on health outcomes. The surge in research on this topic is evident, with over 29,000 peer-reviewed studies investigating the intersection of climate and health since the government first recognized climate change as a public health threat. Notably, more than 60% of these studies have been published in the last five years.
Dr Jonathan Patz, who leads the Center for Health, Energy, and Environmental Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, asserted that health risks from climate change are already evident. He referenced the 2021 heat dome that resulted in over 600 fatalities in the Northwest and noted that climate attribution studies revealed the event was made 150-fold more likely due to climate change.
Research encompasses various health aspects, including illnesses and injuries that may not result in death but still significantly impact quality of life. While some studies focus solely on heat-related mortality, others delve into broader health implications, including mental health strains and the displacement of populations due to extreme weather events.
A collaborative study from last year attempted to quantify the annual health costs of climate change, factoring in a range of climate-related deaths, including those from extreme weather events and diseases like malaria. This research estimated that climate change could cost the global economy at least $10 billion annually, based on the EPA's valuation of human life.
Dr Lynn Goldman, dean emeritus at the George Washington University School of Public Health, emphasized that public health is not limited to disease prevention; it encompasses overall well-being. She pointed out the growing number of individuals displaced by rising sea levels and extreme weather, stating, "We have only begun to understand the full consequences of a changing climate in terms of health".
While deaths linked to extreme heat are rising, the issue becomes more complex when considering cold-related deaths, which have been decreasing. Currently, studies show that there are still 13 times more deaths from cold exposure than from heat exposure in the US However, projections suggest that if global temperatures rise by an additional 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 degrees Celsius), the balance between heat and cold-related mortality will shift dramatically, leading to a significant increase in overall temperature-related deaths if society fails to adapt to these changes.
In summary, the scientific consensus strongly supports the notion that climate change poses serious health risks, despite contrasting views from political figures. As research continues to unfold, the implications for public health and policy remain critical areas of focus.

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