US President Donald Trump claims climate change is a hoax. He has rolled back the earlier decision to transition away from fossil fuels and instead called for more drilling.
As a result, some banks that previously supported climate financing are now backtracking. This demonstrates the powerful influence of US decisions on global finance. Following this, climate sceptics are once again parading the theory that climate change is a natural phenomenon.
They argue that the rise in carbon dioxide levels in the air is not responsible for global warming and that there is nothing to worry about. Is this a repeat of the fake science that was paraded during the Covid-19 pandemic? How will this impact current global efforts to reduce carbon emissions? Another communication battle is emerging.
A check with our own climate experts from the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) confirms emphatically that climate change is not a hoax. The overwhelming consensus among climate scientists is that climate change is real and primarily driven by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane.
These emissions result from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, and other human actions. Scientists cite key evidence supporting the reality of climate change.
The Earth’s average surface temperature has increased significantly since the late 19th century, with the most rapid warming occurring in recent decades. Glaciers and ice sheets are shrinking, and Arctic sea ice is declining. Global sea levels have risen due to the thermal expansion of seawater and the melting of ice.
There has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and hurricanes. The oceans are becoming more acidic due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide, which affects marine life. Sea corals are disappearing.
Scientific organisations worldwide, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), have consistently affirmed the reality of climate change and its human-driven causes.
While there are debates about the best ways to address climate change, the scientific evidence supporting its existence and human influence is robust and widely accepted. Trump has repeatedly called climate change a “hoax” or expressed scepticism about it, but his statements are not supported by scientific evidence. His views on climate change are often tied to political, economic, and ideological factors rather than scientific consensus.
Trump has close ties to industries such as fossil fuels, which could be negatively impacted by policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. His administration prioritised deregulation and energy independence, often favouring the coal, oil, and gas industries.
Some politicians and individuals view climate action as a threat to free markets or personal freedoms. They may frame climate change as a “hoax” to resist policies such as carbon taxes or renewable energy mandates.
Climate change is a complex issue, and misinformation campaigns funded by certain industries or interest groups have sown doubt about the science. Trump may have been influenced by these narratives or used them to appeal to his base.
Politicians often prioritise immediate economic gains or electoral success over long-term challenges such as climate change. Acknowledging climate change would require advocating for difficult and potentially unpopular policies.
Trump often used provocative statements to rally his supporters. Calling climate change a “hoax” may have been a way to appeal to those who distrust elites, scientists, or government institutions.
It is important to note that Trump’s views are not representative of the scientific community or even all politicians. Many leaders, businesses, and organisations worldwide recognise the urgency of addressing climate change and are working to reduce emissions and promote sustainability.
The scientific consensus remains clear: climate change is real, human-caused, and requires immediate action. The claim that global warming is entirely a natural phenomenon and not linked to rising carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels is not supported by the overwhelming body of scientific evidence.
While Earth’s climate has naturally fluctuated over geological time scales, the current rapid warming trend is primarily driven by human activities, particularly the increase in greenhouse gases such as CO₂.
World scientists must speak up. Otherwise, the public will be more confused.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
