Does Trump’s war against climate science push us in the dystopian future?

The last climate war of American president Donald Trump includes Withdrawal of support for any research This mentions the word.

He also launched a purge on government websites hosting climatic data, in an apparent attempt to make evidence disappear.

Yes, it’s bad, especially for scientists based in the United States. It also affects scientists in Australia and the rest of the world. But there are ways to get around the problem. There could even be a silver lining to this dark cloud.

Trump cannot stop global climate action, although he can slow it down. Nor can he hide the truth by restricting access to data. Climate research will continue despite Trump’s best efforts for Ischio-Jewish scientists and research institutions.

No force of ignorance

Last year was the The hottest ever recordedA fact that once again confirms our predictions the worst cases. The world has already exceeded the increase (arbitrary) of 1.5 ° C of 1.5 ° C compared to pre -industrial temperatures – a threshold which only a few years ago, we did not think we would cross Until 2030 at the earliest.

We are now on the right track to live in a world that 3 ° C warmer or more At the end of the century.

It is despite more than 30 years of world commitments that have largely failed To fold the trend of warming.

But ignoring climate change will not make it disappear. Like the Ministry of Truth George OrwellClassic dystopian novel, 1984Trump seems to believe “Ignorance is strength“. He tries to erase the facts on the climate crisis, perhaps to keep people ignorant and moderate.

What it means for Australian climate science

Many Australian scientists (including me) regularly collaborate with American colleagues, share funding and publish results together. Knowledge sharing and free access data is the foundation of science progress, so Trump’s assault will inevitably slow down progress here.

For example, Australian and American scientists regularly collaborate in the research and development of large tickets related to climate change, such as the Intergovernmental panel on climate change Physical science base Reports. But even with fewer American scientists in the mixture, research and reports will continue.

Students involved in climate research will also be negatively affected, with less Possibilities of scholarships and exchanges Between our two countries.

It should be remembered that the United States is not the only country with global data sets that measure the extent of climate calamity. Australia Meteorology office,, Csiro,, Land ecosystem research network,, Integrated maritime observation systemAnd Geoscience Australia There are only some of the examples of data keepers supported by the Commonwealth government who are safe from the American purge.

Other renowned climatic data The benchmarks in the world include Climate data storeThe University of East Anglia Climate research unitThe Netherlands Meteorological Institute Climate explorerand the independent WorldclimTo name only a few.

Although the restriction of access to websites based on the United States is embarrassing, we can easily bypass the problem. Many of my colleagues also downloaded data before the purge mandate to maintain access.

Consequences for the United States

In the last month, I was flooded with horror stories many colleagues based in the United States in the academic world and the public service, who have lost their jobs and / or research funding. In addition to these very real personal tragedies, the situation as a whole is even darker.

THE Loss of scientific and technical expertise These mass dismissals involve weakening the ability of American labor to discover and develop solutions to climate change. Just when we need good scientific and technical innovations more than ever, massive capacity is erased before our eyes.

Trump’s fear and aversion to everything that is “climate” also prefigures even more greenhouse gas emissions of the United States. He issued various solid arm orders “Unleash American Energy” by Exploitation of accelerated fossil fuels,, block the development of offshore wind energyAnd Revoke targets for electric vehiclesFor example.

More emissions mean more climate change, especially when you are already one of the biggest contributors to the global problem. The United States is the Second highest greenhouse transmitter In the world, behind only China.

Trump says his actions Improve economic prosperity. The reality is that they will rather delay the boom in green manufacturing. Dividing everything with the slightest breath of the “climate” will in fact reduce economic prosperity and increase unemployment.

Costs for the rest of the world

During his first day as president, Trump withdrew the United States of Paris Climate Agreement. This effectively removes his country from all the binding limits of actions that contribute to climate change.

The weakening of international treaties is a sword with two sharpness, because it does not only allow the United States to uncheck, but it also discourages other nations responsible. Analogous to “Insensitive spectator effect“, many nations can now be more hesitant to engage in reductions because one of the greatest transmitters refuses to do anything.

Trump has also reduced US international aid, which will slow climate action in countries that need help most.

Overall, faster warming rates will inevitably put more pressure on natural resources and agricultural production. This could increase the probability of international war on water, food and other essential natural resources. Because autocratic countries make food shortages hear less than democratic emergencies, climatic emergencies will penalize nations led by despots more.

Find a silver lining

Trump’s Trump’s anti-climate campaign is enough to despair many people. But there are a few light glimmers of hope on the horizon.

While the United States stands out from its national and international responsibilities, other countries could decide to do more. Not counting on the United States could force capacity building elsewhere. Some even suggest that without the United States at the table slowing down progress, a stronger climate action could result.

The Americans have their own intimidating fight on their hands. But the rest of the world will have to take over if we have a chance to limit the healthwealth, equality, human rights And biodiversity calamities are now taking place due to climate change.

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