When Science Is Removed from Policy: Why It Matters Here at Home
- jaimewallis
- Feb 15
- 1 min read
Recently, the Trump administration rescinded the US EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding, effectively removing greenhouse gases as a reportable pollutant.
Donald Trump arrives at a press conference on 12 February 2026 at the White House
to announce the revocation of the EPA’s 2009 endangerment finding.
Photograph: Will Oliver/EPA, via The Guardian.
In response, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) reaffirmed the science. You can read their
statement here:
The AMS is clear:
Human activity is the primary cause of modern climate change.
The impacts are already harmful and expected to increase.
The evidence is extensive, robust and thoroughly vetted.
Repealing policy does not change the scientific conclusion.
Their message is simple: human-caused climate change threatens lives and wellbeing.
Why does this matter on the Mornington Peninsula?
Because when policy frameworks step away from formally recognising greenhouse gases or climate risk, it shapes how future decisions are made. But legislation does not alter the physical realities of rising seas, extreme weather, bushfire risk or ecosystem stress.
As our own Climate Resilience Plan develops, grounding it in credible, evidence-based science is essential.
Policy can shift. Science does not.
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