News
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.
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.
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.
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.
Entertainment And Arts
Catherine Zeta-Jones Explores Art Collecting Before New Project
The actress states that her social circle is more heavily comprised of individuals from New York’s art scene than those associated with the Los Angeles film industry.
In a recent revelation, Catherine Zeta-Jones has embarked on a new hobby – art collecting – which interestingly parallels her latest role in a film.
Zeta-Jones plays the part of an art consultant in The Gallerist, a movie that made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival just last month.
According to her, this hobby reflects a personal interest that has been growing over time, and her collection now includes works by renowned sculptor Henry Moore and contemporary artist Marc Quinn.
Born in Swansea, Zeta-Jones resides in New York with her husband, actor Michael Douglas, and notes that her social circle there comprises more individuals from the art world compared to her network in Los Angeles.
In an interview with People magazine, Zeta-Jones mentioned that she has spent more time on the East Coast with her husband and has not been actively involved in the Los Angeles social scene.
She stated that her social interactions are more frequent with business professionals, individuals from Wall Street, and those involved in the art world in New York.
Zeta-Jones has developed a strong affinity for the New York art scene, describing her collecting style as eclectic.
She has been gradually exploring the world of art, taking a cautious approach to this new interest.
On the occasion of their shared birthday, Michael Douglas gifted her a piece by Marc Quinn, known for his expensive artwork, including the sculpture Myth Venus, which sold for $1,325,000 at Christie's New York in 2014.
Quinn also created the notable installation Alison Lapper Pregnant, displayed on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square in 2004.
Zeta-Jones expressed her fondness for sculpture, mentioning that she owns a Henry Moore piece, a gift from her father-in-law, Kirk, which she and her husband cherish.
The actress also enjoys visiting flea markets and purchasing artwork during her travels to different locations.
She shared that she likes to acquire a small memento from each place she visits as a reminder of her experiences.
This newfound interest in art presents a contrast to the darker tone of her film, The Gallerist, where she portrays an art consultant entangled in a plot to sell a deceased body as a work of art.
The comedy-thriller features a star-studded cast, including Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega, Charli xcx, and Zach Galifianakis, alongside Zeta-Jones.
News
Ukrainian Athlete Faces Winter Olympics Ban Over Helmet Design
On his helmet, Vladyslav Heraskevych honors fellow athletes who have lost their lives following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
A controversy has emerged at the Winter Olympics surrounding Ukrainian slider Vladislav Heraskevych, who was disqualified for wearing a helmet that pays tribute to fellow athletes killed since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Heraskevych's participation in the men's skeleton event in Milan-Cortina was barred earlier this week after he declined to remove the helmet, and his subsequent appeal was rejected on Friday.
The helmet features images of several athletes, including teenage weightlifter Alina Peregudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko, and ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov, some of whom were reportedly friends of Heraskevych.
In total, more than 20 athletes are depicted on the helmet, each with their own story.
Androschuk, a young athlete, lost his life in January 2023 while fighting in the Bakhmut area of eastern Ukraine, just a few years after his 22nd birthday.
He had represented Ukraine in international decathlon and pentathlon competitions, showcasing his athletic prowess.
Initially, Androschuk had aspirations to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris or the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, but injuries led him to join the army in 2022, as reported by the New York Times.
According to Oleksiy Kasyanov, the general secretary of Ukraine's track and field federation, Androschuk's decision to join the army was driven by his sense of duty, with Kasyanov stating, "It was his dream."
Bakhur, a 17-year-old national kickboxing champion, was killed in 2023 during Russian shelling in the Kharkiv region of north-eastern Ukraine.
She had competed at both national and international levels, representing Ukraine with distinction.
Bakhur's life was cut short when she suffered fatal shrapnel wounds while seeking shelter in the city of Berestyn, just weeks before her 18th birthday.
Her coach, Volodymyr Zibarov, remembered Bakhur as an athlete with "enormous potential," whose life was tragically cut short.
In an interview with Ukrainian newspaper Pravda, Zibarov recounted the circumstances of Bakhur's death, saying, "We were supposed to leave for the World Cup in Austria… a Russian missile took Karyna from us one day earlier."
Diachenko, an 11-year-old gymnast, died in March 2022 in the south-eastern city of Mariupol, as reported by the memorial website Angels of Sport.
She was killed instantly, along with her father, when a Russian air strike hit their home, while her mother and brother were injured and later died in a hospital that was also hit by an air strike.
Halinichev lost his life in 2023 in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian news outlet Tribuna, Halinichev had chosen to volunteer as a soldier in 2022, rather than participate in a European boxing championship.
In an interview with Voice of America, one of Halinichev's coaches recalled that the athlete had been deeply affected by the destruction caused by the war, feeling compelled to take up arms.
Halinichev had expressed his motivation for fighting, saying, "I have a little child, and I don't want her to live in occupation among the aggressor, among the Russians," as quoted by another coach.
Tribuna reported that Halinichev was injured twice during the conflict but continued to fight until his death.
He had achieved notable success in his athletic career, winning silver medals at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and the 2021 European U22 Championships.
Ishchenko, a four-time strongman champion and former Ukrainian powerlifting champion from Kyiv, was also a coach who mentored young athletes.
He was remembered by Ukrainian outlet Sport.ua as a role model who inspired new generations of athletes with his resilience, courage, and dedication to sport and country.
Ishchenko lost his life on the front lines in 2023.
His legacy continues to inspire athletes in Ukraine.
Ivashko, a nine-year-old judo enthusiast, was killed in June 2023 while attempting to shelter from Russian air strikes in Kyiv, along with her mother.
The Ukrainian Judo Federation's president, Mykhailo Koshlyak, described Ivashko's death as "painful for the entire Ukrainian judo family."
Khabarov, a 31-year-old athlete, was a prominent figure in Ukrainian national shooting sports for over a decade, according to the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF).
Throughout his career, he had set multiple national records and won national championships.
In 2023, Khabarov joined the army and lost his life in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.
ISSF president Luciano Rossi paid tribute to Khabarov, stating, "He was an elite athlete who paused his career to defend his country, and will forever be in the hearts and memories of the Ukrainian people."
Kononenko was a competitive strongman and actor who appeared in popular Ukrainian TV programs.
He joined the front lines in February 2022 and suffered a severe injury by November, as reported by Pravda.
Kononenko designed his own rehabilitation program, which he shared on social media, before returning to fight on the front lines, where he became a senior lieutenant and commander of a rifle platoon.
Contact with Kononenko was lost during a combat mission in February last year, and he has since been considered missing in action, with a funeral held for him in December.
Kozubenko, a 31-year-old diver and coach from Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine, died in combat last year.
The Ukrainian Sports Committee acknowledged Kozubenko's sacrifice, stating, "In the country's most difficult time, Kozubenko took up arms to defend his native land."
His death was a loss for the Ukrainian sports community.
Kurdel, a 20-year-old dancer, was killed in July 2022 during a Russian air attack in the central city of Kryvyi Rih.
She was training at a sports ground with her father when the attack occurred, resulting in injuries to her parents, who survived.
Prior to her passing, Kurdel achieved success in numerous international dance competitions, earning recognition for her talents.
Between 2006 and 2016, Kutsenko represented Ukraine in European and World track cycling championships, showcasing his skills as a champion athlete.
The 34-year-old, who had been residing in Italy with his family, returned to Ukraine following the full-scale invasion to enlist in the army.
Regional officials reported that he lost his life in 2024 during a combat operation.
A Russian missile strike on a Dnipro high-rise building in 2023 resulted in the death of 15-year-old Lebid.
Lebid held the position of president of her school's student council and was also an avid ballroom dancer.
As stated in her student council election campaign, Lebid described herself as a 15-year-old with a music education, a passion for learning English, and a hobby of cultivating houseplants, highlighting her determination, friendliness, and strong work ethic.
Loginov, the former goalkeeper of Ukraine's professional ice hockey team Bilyi Bars, had a notable athletic career.
Loginov's life was cut short at the age of 23 in the Luhansk region in 2023.
Malyshev, 19, lost his life on the front lines in Kharkiv.
He had previously competed in the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland, as a biathlete.
Malyshev was posthumously honored with an Order For Courage in 2022.
Peregudova, 14, was killed in March 2022 during Russian shelling of Mariupol.
According to Pravda, Peregudova and her mother were fatally injured shortly after leaving their house when an explosion occurred, and her brother was subsequently shot by a Russian sniper.
Peregudova was a promising young athlete, having been a candidate for the Ukrainian national weightlifting team and preparing to participate in a European Championship.
Polischchuk was a track and field athlete specializing in the high jump.
He enlisted in Ukraine's armed forces shortly after the full-scale invasion began and died in March 2023.
Sharpar, a 25-year-old figure skater, lost his life near Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine in 2023.
Originally from Kharkiv, Sharpar won a silver medal at the Ukrainian Championships in 2016 and participated in the Youth Winter Olympics in Norway the same year.
After retiring from professional figure skating, Sharpar went on to perform in ice shows.
Shpuk joined the Ukrainian army in 2014 as part of a volunteer battalion.
He later became involved in veteran sports and coached the Ukrainian team at the Invictus Games.
Following Russia's full-scale invasion, Shpuk rejoined the army and died in November 2023.
Troyan, a 32-year-old former professional athlete, died in June 2025 in the Pokrovsk area of eastern Ukraine after sustaining injuries during a combat mission.
In addition to her athletic career, Troyan worked as a programmer and journalist at an international IT company before enlisting in the army in 2024.
According to Angels of Sport, Troyan operated drones in over 1,000 combat missions.
Yaramenko was a member of Ukraine's national Greco-Roman wrestling team.
He died just days shy of his 26th birthday in December.
Yaramenko had aspirations of becoming a coach and had pursued a master's degree in physical culture and sports, as reported by Angels of Sport.
Yaramenko lost his life during a combat mission.
Those who knew him described Yaramenko as a person with a strong sense of justice, inner balance, and a kind heart, according to Angels of Sport.
Yepifanov, a national fencing champion in Ukraine, put his athletic career on hold to fight on the front lines.
At the age of 18, Yepifanov enlisted in the army during the initial days of the full-scale invasion and died in 2023.
Zui, 13, was an enthusiastic young athlete who enjoyed boxing and football, playing the latter for a local team in Mariupol.
Zui's life was tragically cut short in March 2022 when a Russian air strike hit the high-rise building where his family was seeking shelter, resulting in the loss of his parents as well.
News
Avalanche in French Alps Claims Lives of Three, Including Two Britons
In Val d’Isère, a group of five individuals, including the Britons, had been skiing off-piste under the guidance of an instructor.
An avalanche in the French Alps on Friday has resulted in the deaths of two individuals from the UK and one from France.
According to a resort spokesperson, the two British victims were among a group of five people, including an instructor, who were skiing off-piste in Val d'Isère.
A statement from the prosecutor's office indicated that the French victim was skiing by themselves at the time of the incident.
Additionally, one other British individual sustained minor injuries, as reported.
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