What happened: An official at the Department of the Interior (DOI) inserted inaccurate language that was out of step with the scientific consensus on climate change into at least nine scientific reports, including environmental studies and impact statements. The language included debunked statements like claiming that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is beneficial and inaccurate statements such as there is a lack of consensus among scientists that the earth is warming.
Why it matters: Climate change is a serious threat that requires the best available science to combat it. DOI reports often serve as foundation for policymaking so if the climate science in a report has been altered for political purposes, then our country will less prepared to face the threat posed by climate change.
Learn more about how climate change science in scientific reports was sidelined by a DOI political official.