Americans understood climate change decades ago

In the 1960s, Americans across various sectors, including government and media, were aware of climate change, contrary to recent Supreme Court opinions.

Kate Yoder reports for Grist.

In short:

Historian Naomi Oreskes uncovered evidence that scientists, Congress and even magazines like Sports Illustrated discussed climate change before 1970.
A forthcoming paper reveals more than 100 congressional hearings on CO2 and climate issues before the Clean Air Act's enactment.
The research challenges current legal interpretations, suggesting Congress intended to empower the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases.

Key quote:

“We discovered a universe of discussions by scientists, by members of Congress, by members of the executive branch.”

— Naomi Oreskes, historian of science at Harvard University

Why this matters:

This research highlights a forgotten history of climate awareness, challenging narratives that downplay past knowledge and intent. Recognizing this history could inform current legal and policy debates about climate regulation.

grist.org

Americans understood climate change decades ago

Tracking 20 years of productivity in tidal wetlands

Census data model: Nearly 50K Tennessee households may not have access to air conditioning

The overlooked wiring problem in the clean-energy transition

Drought shrivels French wine harvest prospects

AI can predict disaster, but it can't save you

Fuel on the fire: Why oil companies are profiting as the world gets dangerously hot

Trump wants to fast track AI

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.