In a pivotal new report, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) has reaffirmed that climate change is “beyond scientific dispute.” This comprehensive 135-page review underscores the overwhelming evidence that human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases, are driving unprecedented changes in the Earth’s climate. The report serves as a stark contrast to recent efforts by the Trump administration to downplay these risks and roll back critical climate regulations.
The National Academies’ Unambiguous Message
Released on September 17, 2025, the NASEM report emphasizes that the scientific consensus on climate change has only strengthened since the 2009 “endangerment finding” by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This finding concluded that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare, forming the basis for numerous environmental regulations. NASEM’s latest review not only supports this conclusion but also highlights new and intensified threats, including more frequent and severe wildfires, rising sea levels, and increased health risks due to extreme weather events and air pollution. The report warns that “today’s extremes will become tomorrow’s norms” if emissions continue unchecked Politico.
A Rebuttal to the Trump Administration’s Climate Policies
The release of the NASEM report comes amid the Trump administration’s efforts to revoke the 2009 endangerment finding. In July 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report that downplayed the economic and health risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting that their impacts were less severe than previously believed. This report, authored by a climate working group with members known for their skepticism of mainstream climate science, has been widely criticized for lacking scientific rigor and objectivity AP News.
In response, NASEM’s report reaffirms the validity of the 2009 finding, stating that the evidence supporting it has only grown stronger over the past 15 years. The report also criticizes the DOE’s analysis for its methodological flaws and selective use of data, labeling it as “error-prone and biased” AP News.
Legal and Political Implications
The NASEM report has significant legal and political ramifications. It challenges the Trump administration’s justification for rolling back climate regulations and provides a robust scientific foundation for defending the 2009 endangerment finding in court. Environmental groups, including the Environmental Defense Fund and the Union of Concerned Scientists, have already filed lawsuits arguing that the administration’s actions violate federal law by undermining established scientific findings without adequate justification Environmental Defense Fund.
Moreover, a federal judge recently ruled that the Trump administration’s climate working group, which produced the controversial DOE report, was not exempt from transparency requirements under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. This decision further undermines the credibility of the administration’s climate policies and strengthens the case for upholding the 2009 endangerment finding Reuters.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
The NASEM report serves as a clarion call for policymakers, businesses, and individuals to take immediate and decisive action to address climate change. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and build resilience to climate impacts.
At Sustainable Action Now, we believe that informed and collective action is essential to combat the climate crisis. We encourage our community to stay informed, engage in advocacy, and support policies that prioritize the health of our planet and its inhabitants.
For more information on climate change and related topics, visit our Climate Action Hub.
