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Trump’s Climate Policy Shift May Have Six Key Consequences

A Thursday announcement has effectively stripped away the legal foundation underlying a significant portion of US environmental laws.

The US government, under President Donald Trump, has announced the reversal of a key scientific ruling made during the Obama era, which had deemed certain greenhouse gases a threat to public health and the environment, thereby underpinning various environmental regulations.

Traffic backs up on Interstate 405 during the morning commute at sunrise on January 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California — The change means looser greenhouse gas regulation for the US auto industry

Experts predict that this decision will have significant environmental and economic consequences, and it is likely to face legal challenges from environmental groups, who argue that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has overstepped its authority.

Several potential impacts of this reversal are noteworthy, including the effects on industries that produce greenhouse gases.

One of the most immediate consequences of this legislative change will be the reduction of restrictions on industries that produce greenhouse gases, particularly vehicle manufacturers, which will no longer be subject to the same level of scrutiny.

The original endangerment finding, made in 2009, was based on a comprehensive report by the EPA, which identified six greenhouse gases, including carbon monoxide and methane, as posing a threat to current and future generations due to their potential to cause harm to human health and the environment.

The EPA's report was prompted by a 2007 US Supreme Court decision, which ruled that the agency was responsible for regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, as these gases were considered air pollutants.

Greenhouse gases have the effect of trapping heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in temperatures, which can have devastating consequences for the environment and human health.

The impact of the endangerment finding had been significant, as greenhouse gas levels in the US had peaked in the late 2000s and had been declining steadily since then, indicating a positive trend in reducing pollution.

With the reversal of the endangerment finding, the legal basis for limiting the amount of greenhouse gases that US industries can emit has been removed, which could lead to an increase in pollution.

According to estimates by the non-profit Environmental Defense Fund, the removal of the endangerment finding could result in an additional 7.5-18 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases being emitted by 2055, which is roughly three times the current annual emissions.

The Environmental Defense Fund also estimates that this increase in emissions could have significant economic costs, potentially running into trillions of dollars, due to the negative impacts on human health and the environment.

While the Trump administration argues that removing the endangerment finding will have economic benefits, particularly for the automotive industry, environmental groups have expressed strong opposition to the decision, citing the potential harm to human health and the environment.

A graph showing greenhouse gas emissions in equivalent tonnes of carbon dioxide. It shows a steady increase from the 1950s onward, pleaking at almost 8bn just before 2009, before slowing starting reduce towards the present day.

The White House claims that the reversal of the endangerment finding will reduce the cost of vehicle production by around $2,400 per car, which could benefit the automotive industry.

Since 2009, the endangerment finding had led to the implementation of policies that promoted fuel efficiency and the adoption of electric vehicles, including the Inflation Reduction Act, which was a key policy of the Biden administration.

However, the Trump administration has already begun to dismantle some of these policies, and the reversal of the endangerment finding is seen as a further step in this direction.

The decision has been welcomed by some in the automotive industry, who argue that it will help to address the imbalance between emissions standards and customer demand.

Ford, a major vehicle manufacturer, has stated that the reversal of the endangerment finding will help to correct some of the unachievable emissions regulations that were put in place by the previous administration.

However, there are concerns that the reversal of the endangerment finding may not have a significant impact on the automotive industry, as many countries still have strict emissions standards in place, and US manufacturers may need to comply with these standards in order to remain competitive.

According to Michael Gerrard, a climate law expert from Columbia University, the reversal of the endangerment finding may actually put US automakers at a disadvantage, as other countries may be less likely to purchase American vehicles that do not meet their emissions standards.

Gerrard argues that the reversal of the endangerment finding may ultimately harm the US automotive industry, as it may lead to a decline in exports and a loss of competitiveness in the global market.

The endangerment finding had led to a 2011 US Supreme Court ruling, which gave the EPA the authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, taking this power away from the court system.

With the reversal of the endangerment finding, legal experts predict that this authority may be reversed, leading to an increase in public nuisance actions, which are lawsuits brought by individuals or groups who have been harmed by pollution.

A public nuisance refers to any activity that interferes with the rights of the public, including the right to a safe and healthy environment.

Prior to the 2011 ruling, there were several court cases brought by US states against companies that were alleged to have caused pollution, seeking compensation for the harm caused.

With the reversal of the endangerment finding, it is possible that similar lawsuits may be brought again, as companies may be held liable for the harm caused by their emissions.

Robert Percival, a University of Maryland environmental law professor, argues that the Trump administration's decision to reverse the endangerment finding may ultimately backfire, as it may lead to an increase in lawsuits and a decline in the competitiveness of US industries.

The EPA has stated that maintaining greenhouse gas emissions standards is not necessary to fulfill its core mission of protecting human health and the environment, despite evidence to the contrary.

Donald Trump and the EPA's administrator Lee Zeldin - Trump is speaking behind a lectern in the Oval Office while Zeldin is standing off to the side wearing a salmon coloured tie — Lee Zeldin (right) said voters wanted the EPA to protect both the environment and the economy

Scientists have consistently shown that pollutants, including greenhouse gases, can have significant negative impacts on human health, including causing premature deaths and health problems.

The Environmental Defense Fund estimates that the increase in emissions resulting from the reversal of the endangerment finding could lead to between 15,400 and 58,000 premature deaths by 2055.

The Fund also estimates that there could be tens of millions more asthma attacks and tens of thousands more hospital visits over the same period, due to the negative impacts of air pollution on human health.

The reversal of the endangerment finding raises questions about how the US will continue to compete in the global renewable energy market, as other countries are moving forward with aggressive plans to reduce their emissions and transition to clean energy.

The Biden administration had promoted policies that incentivized the development of domestic renewable energy technologies, in an effort to keep the US competitive in the global market.

Margo T Oge, a former head of the EPA, argues that the US is falling behind in the transition to clean energy, as other countries are accelerating their efforts to reduce emissions and promote renewable energy.

Oge points to the growing market share of electric vehicles produced by EU and Chinese companies, which is a sign that the US is losing its competitive edge in the clean energy sector.

According to Oge, if the US abandons its clean energy standards, it will not be saving the American auto industry, but rather leaving it behind in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable economy.

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry has also expressed concerns about the US falling behind in the clean energy sector, citing the example of China, which is now producing more wind and solar energy than any other country.

Kerry argues that China's transition to clean energy is driven by the demand of its population for clean air and a healthy environment, and that the US should follow suit in order to remain competitive.

Kerry questions why the US would want to abandon its clean energy standards, given the clear benefits of transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable economy.

Kerry argues that the US should be promoting clean energy and reducing emissions, rather than rolling back regulations and abandoning its commitment to a sustainable future.

Despite the arguments in favor of promoting clean energy and reducing emissions, the Trump administration has pointed to the economic costs of regulation as a reason for reversing the endangerment finding, citing the need to promote economic growth and competitiveness.

On Thursday, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin unveiled a significant policy shift, characterizing it as the most substantial deregulatory move in the history of the United States. According to Zeldin, this action will yield substantial savings for American taxpayers, totaling over $1.3 trillion [£950bn].

Diana Furchtgott-Roth, a former official in the US Department of Transportation during the Trump administration's early years, shared her perspective with the BBC. She asserted that stringent emissions regulations have driven up costs and prompted manufacturers to relocate outside the country.

Furchtgott-Roth explained to the BBC that this shift in manufacturing has led to production being outsourced to countries like China, where environmental standards are less stringent.

She argued that the notion of reducing global emissions by relocating energy-intensive manufacturing to countries like China and India, where production methods are often less environmentally friendly, is misguided and ultimately fails to achieve the intended goal of decreasing global emissions.

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Tudor’s Potential Impact on Spurs After Appointment

Following Igor Tudor’s agreement to manage Tottenham for the rest of the season, BBC Sport examines the potential approach his team may adopt under his leadership.

Since his dismissal from Juventus in October 2025, Igor Tudor has been without a managerial position.

With Tudor set to take the reins at Tottenham for the remainder of the season, fans are wondering what to expect from his team's performances.

Tudor's inaugural match as interim head coach will be a high-stakes encounter, as Tottenham hosts Arsenal in the Premier League on 22 February.

The 47-year-old manager will have limited time to implement his tactics, with the players returning to training on Monday, and they may be in for a surprise.

According to George Boxall, a football journalist who covered Tudor's tenure in Marseille from 2022 to 2023, "his approach is characterized by intensity."

Boxall notes that Tudor's teams are known for their tireless work rate, saying, "the players cover a lot of ground, and there's a strong emphasis on pressing."

Boxall believes that Tudor's personality could be a good fit for Tottenham, stating, "he's a strong character who could bring a much-needed spark to the team."

Following his departure from Juventus in October 2025, Tudor is now poised to begin his first managerial stint in England, having previously managed clubs in Italy, France, Turkey, Croatia, and Greece.

Tudor's primary objective is to alleviate Tottenham's relegation concerns, which were exacerbated by a 2-1 loss to Newcastle in Thomas Frank's final match, leaving them just five points above the bottom three.

As a former defender who earned 55 caps for Croatia and made over 150 appearances for Juventus, Tudor has a clear expectation for his players: a high level of physical exertion.

L'Equipe journalist Pierre-Etienne Minonzio recalls Tudor saying in an interview, "if you don't run, you don't play," highlighting the manager's emphasis on work rate.

During his time in Marseille, Tudor consistently employed a 3-5-2 formation, which was entertaining to watch, according to Minonzio.

However, this approach sometimes led to difficulties, as evidenced by the limited playing time given to skilled but less industrious players like Dimitri Payet.

Minonzio jokingly notes that even a player of Lionel Messi's caliber would struggle to earn a starting spot under Tudor if he didn't meet the manager's fitness expectations.

Tudor's sole season in charge of Marseille saw the team finish third in Ligue 1, surpassing their points total from the previous campaign, despite ultimately falling short of the top two spots.

Minonzio praises Tudor's direct and uncompromising approach, saying, "he doesn't try to be liked, and he's very straightforward in his communication."

Tudor maintains a professional distance from his players, with a focus on creating an intense training environment that prepares them for the physical demands of matches.

As a player, Tudor won back-to-back Serie A titles with Juventus in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons and started in the 2003 Champions League final, which Juventus lost to AC Milan.

Tudor began his managerial career with Hajduk Split, before going on to manage Galatasaray, Udinese, Marseille, and Lazio, eventually replacing Thiago Motta at Juventus in March 2025.

Initially appointed as interim head coach, Tudor was given the permanent position after leading Juventus to a fourth-placed finish in Serie A and securing Champions League qualification.

Italian football journalist Daniele Verri describes Tudor as an "aggressive manager" who demands a similar level of intensity from his teams.

Verri notes that Tudor's teams are characterized by their pressing, vertical style of play, and strong defensive presence, with an emphasis on playing on the wings.

According to Verri, Juventus appointed Tudor due to his connection to the club as a former player, hoping to instill a more aggressive and vertical style of play.

Tudor's managerial career has yielded one major trophy, the Croatian Cup, which he won with Hajduk Split in 2013.

However, his tenure at Juventus was marked by tension, particularly after the arrival of general manager Damien Commoli, which ultimately led to his dismissal.

Tudor was sacked after just seven months, following an eight-game winless streak, which left Juventus eighth in Serie A and 25th in the Champions League's league phase.

During his time at Juventus, Tudor achieved a win rate of 47.1% in 17 league games, with eight victories.

Verri attributes the tension between Tudor and Commoli to disagreements over transfer market decisions, including the departure of Kolo Muani, which Tudor had opposed.

Tudor's frequent changes to the starting lineup created uncertainty, and his public criticism of the team's performances and transfer dealings ultimately led to his dismissal.

As Verri notes, the team's poor performance and the fans' dissatisfaction with the results contributed to the decision to part ways with Tudor.

According to Verri, Juventus never felt that Tudor was the right person to take the team to the next level.

Analysis by BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel provides insight into Tottenham's decision to appoint Tudor.

The club's primary objective was to find an interim head coach who could see out the remainder of the season.

Within this context, the Spurs hierarchy sought a manager with top-level experience and a commitment to attacking football.

After evaluating their options, Tottenham concluded that Tudor met their key criteria.

Tudor's experience managing top European clubs and handling high-profile players was seen as a major advantage.

His reputation for aggressive, attacking football was particularly appealing to Spurs, given the criticism of their playing style under Thomas Frank.

Tottenham also admired Tudor's ability to improve teams in the short term, as evidenced by his achievements at Lazio and Juventus.

For instance, his Lazio team remained unbeaten in the league for his first two months in charge, while his Juventus side lost only one of their first nine games under his management.

Although Tudor's tenure at Juventus ultimately ended in disappointment, his initial success, including an eight-game unbeaten streak, demonstrates his potential to make a positive impact at Tottenham.

The club has appointed Tudor as an interim manager, with the understanding that a more permanent solution will be sought after the current season.

A similar situation arose with Michael Carrick at Manchester United, where an initial temporary appointment led to an interesting dilemma when the team performed well, raising questions about the manager's long-term prospects.

During his tenure at Hajduk Split from 2013 to 2015, Tudor oversaw 70 matches, achieving an average of 1.63 points per game, and secured the Croatian Cup title in the 2012-13 season.

At PAOK, where he managed from 2015 to 2016, Tudor was in charge for 45 games, earning an average of 1.51 points per match.

His stint at Karabukspor, which lasted from 2016 to 2017, consisted of 21 matches, with an average of 1.29 points per game.

Tudor managed Galatasaray in 2017, leading the team through 34 matches and achieving a 1.79 points per game average.

In 2018, he had a brief spell at Udinese, managing four matches with an average of 1.75 points per game.

Tudor returned to Udinese in 2019 for a second stint, overseeing 21 matches with an average of 1.33 points per game.

His second tenure at Hajduk Split, which began in 2020, saw him manage 18 matches, earning an average of 1.56 points per game.

From 2021 to 2022, Tudor was at the helm of Hellas Verona, managing 36 matches with a 1.47 points per game average.

At Marseille, where he managed from 2022 to 2023, Tudor led the team through 48 matches, achieving an average of 1.83 points per game.

In 2024, he managed Lazio for 11 matches, earning an average of 1.91 points per game.

Tudor's tenure at Juventus in 2025 consisted of 24 matches, with an average of 1.58 points per game.

For the latest updates, analysis, and fan perspectives on Tottenham, please refer to our dedicated section.

If you have any questions about Tottenham, feel free to ask, and we will do our best to provide you with the information you are looking for.

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Chris Paul, NBA Veteran, Ends Career at Age 40

Chris Paul, a renowned figure in the NBA, has declared his retirement from professional basketball at the age of 40, bringing an end to his 21-year career, shortly after parting ways with the Toronto Raptors.

Over the course of 21 years, Chris Paul's NBA career took him to seven different teams, showcasing his enduring presence in the league.

Following his release from the Toronto Raptors, NBA veteran Chris Paul has confirmed his decision to retire from professional basketball.

At 40 years old, Paul is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest point guards in the sport, with a impressive record that includes 12 NBA All-Star appearances and the 2006 Rookie of the Year award.

As one of only seven players to have played in the NBA for 21 seasons, Paul also contributed to the United States' Olympic gold medal wins in 2008 in Beijing and 2012 in London.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Paul announced, "After 21 years, I've decided to step away from basketball," marking the end of an era in his career.

Paul expressed his feelings about his retirement, saying, "I'm mostly filled with joy and gratitude, and although my time as an NBA player has come to an end, basketball will always be a fundamental part of my life."

Reflecting on his time in the NBA, Paul noted, "I've spent more than half of my life playing in the league, which has spanned three decades – a fact that's still hard to put into words."

Throughout his 1,370-game career, which began with the New Orleans Hornets in 2005 and concluded with a second stint at the Los Angeles Clippers, Paul averaged 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and two steals per game, earning him the nickname 'Point God'.

In addition to playing for the Hornets, Clippers, and Raptors, Paul's career also included time with the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors, although he never secured an NBA championship title.

Paul's closest attempt at a championship was in 2021, when the Phoenix Suns reached the NBA finals but ultimately lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Upon his retirement, Paul holds the second position in NBA history for both assists, with 12,552, and steals, with 2,728.

Paul had been inactive since December 1, and his retirement follows a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Toronto Raptors earlier this month.

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Weston Tops Skeleton Field for Team GB

In the men’s skeleton event, Great Britain’s Matt Weston is currently in the lead after the third run, adopting a strategy that lets the sled take control.

Matt Weston of Team GB is currently in the lead after his third run in the men's skeleton event, where he employed a technique that lets the sled's design and momentum guide his progress.

LIVE UPDATES: Day seven of the Winter Olympics is underway, with ongoing coverage available for those looking to stay informed about the latest developments.

Please note that access to this content is restricted to users based in the United Kingdom.