Category: health and wellness

bookmark_borderSmoke Haze Over Philadelphia

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A thick haze continues to linger over Philadelphia, driven by smoke from persistent Canadian wildfires. The region is currently under a Code Orange air quality alert, signaling unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart issues. While the smoke largely remains in the upper atmosphere, it occasionally dips closer to the ground, creating eerie sunsets and raising pollution levels throughout the day. Morning air quality tends to be better, but levels worsen as the day progresses.

These hazy skies are a direct consequence of a record-breaking wildfire season unfolding across Canada. As of June 10, over 7.8 million acres (or about 3.38 million hectares) have already burned—surpassing the 25-year average and coming close to 2023’s catastrophic levels. More than 1,800 fires are currently active across the country, with over 200 considered out of control. Fires are most intense in the Prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta), but significant activity is also occurring in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Sparked by both lightning and human activity, these fires have forced the evacuation of more than 32,000 people and led to at least two confirmed deaths. Manitoba and Saskatchewan have declared states of emergency in response to the scale and intensity of the destruction.

Looking ahead, the outlook remains grim. Meteorologists expect hot and dry conditions to persist across much of western and central Canada through June and July, elevating the risk of further ignition and spread. This means the U.S. Northeast, including Philadelphia, will likely continue to experience bouts of poor air quality as the smoke travels south with prevailing winds. Residents are advised to monitor real-time air quality updates through local sources like AirNow or 6abc and to take precautions such as limiting outdoor activity and using indoor air purifiers with HEPA or MERV-rated filters.

In short, the smoky skies over Philadelphia are not just an aesthetic or fleeting phenomenon—they are a direct and visible consequence of worsening climate conditions. With Canada’s wildfire crisis showing no signs of abating, the haze may come and go, but the underlying threat remains firmly in place.

RESOURCES

The best lifestyle is to avoid particulate matter. Exercise outside only on days with a “Good” AQI under 50. If you must go out on days with an AQI over 50, wear an N95 mask. Indoors build and run a Corsi-Rosenthal Box filter.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution
and Indoor Air Pollution: How to Purify the Air


Death By Ozone
Pollution And Health: 9 Million Deaths Per Year
Health And Air Quality
Air Pollution Deaths
Air Pollution Killing Millions
Largest Health Risk

The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderFar-UVC Light: Effective for Disinfection, But Is It Safe for Humans?

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by Daniel Brouse
June 8, 2025

Far-UVC light, typically at a wavelength of 222 nanometers, has gained attention as a potentially safer alternative to traditional germicidal ultraviolet light (254 nm) for disinfecting public spaces, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. While Far-UVC does not penetrate the skin or eyes as deeply as conventional UV light, its safety is still under active investigation, and there are important risks to consider—particularly with prolonged or high-dose exposure.

For the skin, Far-UVC is largely absorbed by the outermost dead cell layer, the stratum corneum, which limits its ability to reach living tissues. However, studies have shown that at high enough doses, Far-UVC can still cause erythema (skin redness) and DNA damage in superficial cells. These effects may be more pronounced in people with compromised skin barriers, such as those with cuts, thin or damaged skin, or in vulnerable populations like infants. Although some animal studies suggest a low risk of tumor formation, others raise concerns about whether repeated exposure might accelerate skin aging or increase cancer risk.

The eyes are particularly vulnerable to Far-UVC. While the light does not reach the retina, it is absorbed by the cornea and conjunctiva, where it can cause irritation, dryness, and in some cases photokeratitis—an inflammation similar to a sunburn on the eye. Because the eyes lack the protective outer layers that the skin has, they are considered a high-risk area for Far-UVC exposure, especially in settings with prolonged human presence.

Another area of concern is DNA damage. Far-UVC can still induce the formation of DNA lesions, such as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), even if it doesn’t penetrate deeply. While the body has mechanisms to repair such damage, the long-term implications are still unclear, and there’s ongoing debate over whether chronic, low-level exposure may increase the risk of skin cancer or systemic effects through epigenetic changes.

Adding to the uncertainty is the lack of standardized safety regulations. While organizations like the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have issued provisional exposure limits, there is no universally accepted standard for safe daily exposure, especially in workplaces, schools, or hospitals. Until more long-term research is available, the use of Far-UVC in occupied spaces should be approached with caution.

In summary, while Far-UVC may offer a promising way to disinfect air and surfaces without the same level of harm as traditional UV light, it is not without risk. Safe implementation requires strict adherence to exposure guidelines, avoiding direct eye contact, and monitoring for signs of skin or eye irritation. Long-term studies are still needed to fully understand the effects of chronic exposure, and the current scientific consensus leans toward a cautious, carefully regulated approach.

Caution and Recommendation:
Far-UVC poses unknown long-term risks to human health, particularly to the eyes and skin with repeated or prolonged exposure. While current studies suggest it may be safer than conventional UV light, the lack of definitive safety data warrants a precautionary approach. The most effective and safest use of Far-UVC is to enclose it within HVAC systems, where it can disinfect circulating air without direct human exposure. This setup not only maximizes its pathogen-killing potential but also greatly reduces the likelihood of adverse health effects, making it a preferred strategy for schools, hospitals, offices, and other occupied indoor environments.

COVID-19 & Long COVID Science

bookmark_borderIs COVID-19 Accelerating Aging? How the Virus Is Rewriting the Rules of Brain and Body Health

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by Daniel Brouse
June 7, 2025

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, evidence is mounting that the virus may be fundamentally altering how we age. Millions continue to suffer from Long-COVID, with cognitive decline and chronic health issues affecting both young and old. Doctors now warn that COVID doesn’t just cause short-term illness—it may lead to lasting physical and neurological damage.

Key Takeaways:

  • Long-Term Damage: COVID-19 can damage vital organs, impair brain function, and leave survivors with long-lasting disabilities—even after mild infections.

  • Viral Persistence: SARS-CoV-2 may remain in the body for months or years. Persistent spike proteins have been found in the brain’s protective layers and bone marrow, potentially fueling inflammation and raising the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

  • Immune Disruption: Long-COVID often includes a weakened immune system, low iron, elevated inflammation, and higher chances of developing autoimmune disorders.

  • Genetic Changes: The virus triggers genetic and epigenetic shifts that can impair immune response, increase the risk of chronic illness (e.g., diabetes, cancer), and accelerate biological aging.

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: COVID can disrupt NAD+, tryptophan, and vitamin pathways, leading to widespread fatigue, cognitive issues, and worsened mental health.

  • Reinfection Risks: Each reinfection further raises the likelihood of hospitalization, organ damage, and death, making cumulative exposure more dangerous over time.

Conclusion:
COVID-19 is not just a passing infection—it may be a lifelong health event. With long-term consequences ranging from cognitive decline to multi-organ dysfunction, the virus appears to be reshaping the aging process itself. Tailored treatments and long-term monitoring are now essential for those affected.

COVID CHRONIC CONDITIONS

* Low Iron and Elevated Cytokines (inefficient oxygen transport, inflammatory imbalances, persistent symptoms, damage tissues, and autoimmune diseases)
* Permanent Organ Damage
* Persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA in multiple organs and throughout the brain
* Destruction of Good Gut Bacteria Resulting in a Compromised Immune System
* Epigenetic Modifications (Changes to DNA)
* Change in Cell Fate
* Tryptophan Deficiency
* Dysfunctional Kynurenine Pathway
* Neurological Damage
* New-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
* Reduced Exercise Capacity and Muscle Cell Death
* Down Regulating NAD+
* Up Regulating IDO
* Rogue Antibodies
* Insulin Reduction, Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Heart Disease and Stroke
* Increased Risk of Cancer
* Blood Clots
* Hypertension, Vascular Disorders, Myocarditis and Heart Disease
* Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
* Dysregulation of the innate immune system, i.e. “cytokine storm”

bookmark_borderClimate Denial at the Helm: How Trump’s Legacy Endangers Public Safety and Freedom

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by Daniel Brouse
June 5, 2025

The Trump administration’s ongoing denial of climate science and persistent spread of misinformation continues to pose a grave threat to public safety, national preparedness, and democratic freedoms. This threat is vividly illustrated by a recent incident involving David Richardson, the newly appointed head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), who reportedly tells staff during a Monday morning briefing that he was previously unaware the United States has a hurricane season—despite the 2025 season officially beginning on Sunday.

Richardson, appointed by President Trump in May, is expected to lead the nation’s emergency response as extreme weather events grow more frequent and destructive. Yet his lack of even the most basic understanding of the seasonal climate cycle reflects a deeper, systemic failure within the administration—one rooted in contempt for science and expertise.

Under Trump’s leadership, scientific consensus on climate change is dismissed as a political inconvenience. Federal agencies that once relied on climate data and risk models are now steered by loyalists who often lack relevant experience or actively reject environmental realities. Trump continues to dismantle regulations meant to address the climate crisis, suppresses climate research within government agencies, and attacks scientists who raise alarms about worsening environmental threats.

This willful ignorance is not just incompetent—it’s dangerous. When those in charge of disaster response do not understand the threats they are supposed to manage, the consequences are deadly. Hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and heatwaves are increasing in both frequency and intensity due to global warming, yet the federal government under Trump appears more committed to preserving a narrative of denial than to protecting lives.

The broader implications go beyond emergency management. When scientific truth is undermined at the highest levels of government, public trust in institutions erodes. Disinformation fills the void. Citizens are left confused, divided, and vulnerable—not just to climate disasters, but to the decay of democratic norms that depend on transparency, accountability, and fact-based governance.

President Trump’s pattern of appointing unqualified individuals to critical agencies reflects a broader strategy: control the narrative, ignore the data, and punish dissent. But the climate does not wait for politics. Nature operates on physical laws, not political spin.

The revelation about Richardson should alarm every American. It’s not merely a bureaucratic blunder—it’s a symptom of an administration that is deliberately sidelining science in favor of ideology. And in the era of climate crisis, that kind of leadership is not just negligent. It’s catastrophic.

Trumpenomics: The Decline of the US

The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderToxic Skies: Ozone, Wildfires, and Saharan Dust Collide Across the U.S.

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by Daniel Brouse
June 4, 2025

Air Quality Today: A Triple Threat

Across the United States today, millions are facing a dangerous cocktail of air pollution events driven by both human activity and climate disruption. From Canadian wildfires and Saharan dust storms to toxic ground-level ozone, Americans are increasingly breathing air that threatens their health, safety, and long-term well-being.

Wildfire Smoke: A Growing Hazard from the North

In the Midwest, massive wildfires burning across Canada are triggering air quality alerts, making outdoor activity risky for vulnerable populations. While the jet stream is currently carrying much of the smoke high in the atmosphere and sparing the U.S. East Coast—for now—this circulation pattern can shift quickly. The fires remain out of control, fueled by rising temperatures and prolonged drought conditions. As the wildfire season grows longer and more intense, no part of the U.S. is safe from the haze and health effects that follow.

Saharan Dust: A Transatlantic Health Crisis

At the same time, unusually severe Saharan dust storms are sweeping across the Atlantic, blanketing the Caribbean and southeastern United States in fine particulate matter. Florida, in particular, is experiencing air quality alerts as dust-laden air raises the risk of respiratory distress, especially for those with asthma, COPD, or other pre-existing health conditions. These dust plumes, once rare or moderate in strength, are becoming stronger and more frequent as climate conditions intensify desertification across North Africa.

Ozone Pollution: A Silent Killer in U.S. Cities

In urban areas like the Philadelphia region, ground-level ozone is adding to the danger. Unlike the protective ozone layer high above the Earth, low-level ozone is a toxic byproduct of fossil fuel combustion—emitted by vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes. It forms when pollutants react in sunlight, especially during hot, stagnant weather.

Not only does ozone damage human lungs and cardiovascular systems—ranking as one of the leading causes of air pollution-related deaths—it also harms plant life. By impairing the ability of plants to absorb carbon dioxide, ozone pollution creates a feedback loop that further accelerates climate change.

Climate Change: The Unifying Force Behind the Crisis

Each of these events—wildfire smoke, transcontinental dust, and ground-level ozone—might once have been considered separate environmental issues. But today, they are all symptoms of the same underlying crisis: a rapidly destabilizing climate. Human-induced global warming is not only intensifying these phenomena but also increasing their frequency and geographic spread.

Pollutants are no longer just local problems. The air in your lungs may carry particles from a fire hundreds of miles away, or dust that traveled thousands of miles across the ocean. And with every passing year, the boundaries that once separated natural disasters are eroding, replaced by a continuous global threat to air quality, public health, and ecological balance.

Looking Ahead

Until aggressive action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition away from fossil fuels, Americans can expect these dangerous air quality events to become more common, more severe, and more interconnected. The skies may be hazy, but the message is clear: climate change is already here—and we are breathing it.

The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderThe War on Science and Education: How Conspiracy Politics Are Undermining America’s Future

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by Daniel Brouse
June 4, 2025

For years, the Republican Party wages a systematic campaign to undermine science and dismantle the foundations of public education. This effort is most prominently led by Donald Trump, whose presidency marks a dramatic escalation in anti-scientific rhetoric and policy.

Trump’s denial of climate science is blatant and persistent. In 2012, he tweets: “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.” In 2015, he tells the press, “I’m not a big believer in man-made climate change.” By 2016, he goes further, calling climate science “bullshit.” These aren’t just offhand comments—they translate directly into federal policy. As president, Trump withdraws the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, guts the Environmental Protection Agency, and rolls back more than 100 environmental protections. His administration actively censors scientific findings, buries federal climate assessments, and elevates fossil fuel expansion as a central economic strategy, regardless of long-term environmental costs.

But Trump isn’t the only figure promoting science denial. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite his environmental roots, becomes a leading voice in spreading misinformation about vaccines and public health. His misleading and often debunked claims about vaccine safety fuel vaccine hesitancy and undermine trust in medical institutions.

Meanwhile, former WWE executive Linda McMahon—an influential Republican donor and Trump administration official—aligns with broader GOP efforts to weaken the Department of Education. These moves reflect a long-term strategy to defund public education, delegitimize academic expertise, and promote private and religious schooling over secular, science-based curricula.

Perhaps most emblematic of the broader problem is a bill recently passed by the Louisiana House of Representatives. The bill seeks to outlaw “chemtrails”—a conspiracy theory that falsely claims the government or secret organizations are dispersing chemicals or metals into the atmosphere using aircraft. Proponents of this myth suggest these so-called “chemtrails” are part of covert operations for mind control, population control, or weather manipulation. In reality, the white streaks seen behind planes are contrails—harmless trails of condensed water vapor formed at high altitudes, often appearing as cirrus clouds.

That such a bill can pass a state legislature underscores the growing influence of conspiracy theories and pseudoscience in mainstream politics. Instead of addressing real, evidence-based challenges like climate change, air pollution, and the collapse of biodiversity, lawmakers chase fantasies fueled by internet disinformation and distrust of expertise.

The consequences of this war on science and education are profound. As the planet warms, storms intensify, and ecosystems unravel, the U.S. faces mounting climate threats. Ignoring or denying these problems doesn’t make them go away—it only delays action, deepens inequality, and increases human suffering.

Science is not a partisan issue. It is a foundation of progress, resilience, and public well-being. Undermining it for short-term political gain isn’t just reckless—it is a betrayal of future generations.

Trumpenomics: The Decline of the US

The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderUnseen Borders: How Climate Change, Wildfires, and Saharan Dust Are Choking U.S. Skies

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by Daniel Brouse
June 3, 2025

Climate change is rapidly transforming the quality of the air we breathe—and its effects are neither local nor contained. As global temperatures rise, so too do the intensity and frequency of wildfires, droughts, and dust storms, with far-reaching consequences that extend across continents and oceans. Air pollution has become one of the most visible and harmful symptoms of our changing climate, and it increasingly ignores the boundaries we rely on to manage environmental threats.

This week, the United States faces a convergence of atmospheric threats that underscore the global nature of the crisis. A massive plume of Saharan dust is sweeping across the Atlantic and is expected to reach Florida, bringing hazy skies and worsening air quality across the southeastern U.S. Though common during the summer months, this year’s dust cloud is especially large and could have broad effects on respiratory health, especially for children, the elderly, and people with asthma or other preexisting conditions.

At the same time, smoke from ongoing Canadian wildfires is drifting southward toward the U.S. East Coast. Satellite maps and air quality forecasts show large swaths of smoke making their way into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, threatening to trigger another wave of “code orange” or worse air quality alerts. Cities from Washington D.C. to New York and Boston may experience hazy skies, reduced visibility, and increased pollution levels.

The dual impact of transcontinental dust and wildfire smoke reveals a grim truth: climate change-induced air hazards are now a regular part of the atmospheric system. Wildfires in boreal forests and desertification in North Africa—once considered remote or seasonal events—are now directly impacting millions of Americans on a near-constant basis.

Air quality maps now resemble climate change threat maps: dynamic, unpredictable, and dangerously expansive. And while mitigation efforts often focus on emissions from vehicles or industry, these transboundary air events show that we are also facing a feedback loop. Hotter temperatures dry out landscapes, which fuel more fires and increase dust activity. In turn, these pollutants contribute to even more warming and exacerbate human health risks.

There is no local fix for a global problem. From the deserts of the Sahara to the forests of Alberta, climate change is linking ecosystems and weather patterns in new, often dangerous ways. It’s no longer just a matter of local environmental management—it’s a matter of international coordination, climate adaptation, and rapid decarbonization.

Until we act comprehensively and globally, the air we breathe will continue to deteriorate, crossing borders and boundaries just as fast as the climate crisis accelerates.

The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderAir Quality Warnings Stretch from Midwest to East Coast as Canadian Wildfires Trigger Mass Evacuations

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FLIN FLON, Manitoba – May 31, 2025 — Massive wildfires sweeping across Canada’s prairie province of Manitoba have forced the evacuation of thousands, with the city of Flin Flon nearly emptied as dangerous fire conditions persist. The smoke from these wildfires has drifted far beyond Canada’s borders, triggering widespread air quality alerts across the U.S. — from the Midwest to the East Coast and as far south as Washington, D.C.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced Friday that the situation in Flin Flon, a city of approximately 5,000 residents, had become critical. The city’s mayor, municipal councilors, healthcare personnel, and essential staff were forced to evacuate as the flames advanced.

“The only people left in Flin Flon are front-line emergency responders — firefighters, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,” Kinew said during a press briefing. “We expect extremely challenging conditions to continue in Flin Flon and the surrounding region over the next several days.”

Thick smoke from the fires has already degraded air quality across much of the U.S. Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and parts of Illinois. Meteorologists now predict that winds will carry the smoke plume even farther — blanketing large parts of the Northeast and reaching as far south as the Mid-Atlantic, including major population centers like Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C.

State and local health officials are issuing air quality alerts urging residents — especially children, the elderly, and those with asthma or other respiratory issues — to remain indoors and limit outdoor activity. School districts in several areas are monitoring the situation closely and may modify outdoor schedules as conditions worsen.

Experts warn that the 2025 wildfire season is shaping up to be the worst in Canadian history. Climate scientists point to human-induced global warming as a key driver, with rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and earlier snowmelts creating ideal conditions for megafires across North America.

“This isn’t just a Canadian problem — it’s a North American crisis fueled by climate change,” said Dr. Lena Hoffman, a climate and wildfire expert at the University of Toronto. “What’s happening in Manitoba today is part of a much larger and increasingly dangerous pattern.”

As the fires continue to burn out of control, emergency officials are urging residents across affected areas to heed evacuation orders and public health advisories. Meteorologists warn that dry conditions and high winds could continue to fan the flames for days or even weeks to come, with smoke likely to remain a widespread hazard.

The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

bookmark_borderThe Lingering Toll: How Long-COVID Continues to Reshape American Lives

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by Daniel Brouse
May 27, 2025

Five Years Later, COVID’s Chronic Shadow Persists

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, millions of Americans continue to battle lingering and often debilitating symptoms that have upended their lives. Among the most distressing and widespread of these are cognitive impairments — memory loss, mental fatigue, and difficulty concentrating — symptoms that strike people of all ages and backgrounds.

These neurological effects are not just inconvenient; they’re life-altering. In many cases, they mimic early signs of dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions. For some, they have ended careers and reshaped identities.

When the Brain Fog Never Lifts

Ken Todd, a 56-year-old former Showtime executive living in New York City, is one of these patients. Once a high-performing professional, Todd was forced to stop working in 2023 after struggling with persistent symptoms. “When I tried to go back and apply for jobs, I just didn’t have the stamina — mentally or physically,” he says. “It just exacerbated my symptoms.” Eventually, he was diagnosed with a form of mild cognitive impairment, a condition previously rare in middle-aged adults with no history of neurological disease.

Todd’s story is increasingly common. COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has proven to be more than an acute respiratory illness. Its lasting damage now stands as a major public health crisis — one that may endure for decades.

A Disease That Doesn’t Let Go

Recent studies show that the virus often triggers a cascade of chronic complications that significantly reduce both quality of life and life expectancy. One shocking estimate suggests that up to 10% of the excess deaths since the pandemic’s onset can be directly attributed to the virus itself. But the remaining 90% are linked to what experts are calling COVID’s “silent killers”: the conditions it leaves behind.

Patients are reporting not only cognitive issues but also cardiovascular problems, chronic fatigue, respiratory decline, and new-onset diabetes and autoimmune disorders. “There is something inside the body going wrong with the disease,” says Dr. Rob Wüst, a researcher studying the long-term effects of COVID on muscle tissue and metabolism. The damage, he says, often continues even after the virus has cleared from the body.

Long-COVID: From Rare Concern to Routine Diagnosis

What was once considered a rare or controversial diagnosis is now a regular part of medical practice. Long-COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to the collection of symptoms that persist for weeks or months — sometimes years — after the initial illness. And according to emerging data, the chances of experiencing some form of long-term effect after infection may be as high as 99%.

While the severity and duration of symptoms vary, the risk of long-term complications rises with reinfection. This makes prevention and public health measures still vitally important, even as public attention has shifted elsewhere.

A Public Health Reckoning Still to Come

COVID-19 has rewritten the rules of public health and chronic disease. As the world attempts to move on, the growing population of long-COVID patients represents a slow-burning crisis. These individuals require sustained medical support, workplace accommodations, and mental health care — needs that far outlast the acute phase of the pandemic.

And for those like Ken Todd, the consequences are deeply personal. “You lose your sense of self,” he says. “It’s like your mind used to be a sharp tool — and now it’s rusting.”

The pandemic may no longer dominate headlines, but for millions of Americans, its effects are anything but over. The long shadow of COVID-19 continues to fall over daily life — reshaping our understanding of what it means to survive a virus that never truly leaves.

COVID Science Updates

bookmark_borderTrump’s War on Climate Science: Shuttering NASA’s GISS and Silencing the Truth

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by Daniel Brouse
May 24, 2025

For nearly 60 years, NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) has been one of the world’s leading climate research centers. Tucked atop a Columbia University building in Manhattan since 1966, it played a pivotal role in the early modeling of climate change, helped interpret Earth-observing satellite data, and was once home to an IBM supercomputer so large it took up an entire floor.

It was also the professional home of Dr. James Hansen, the scientist who in 1988 famously warned Congress that global warming had already begun—arguably the moment modern climate policy was born. Hansen’s leadership made GISS a powerhouse of climate science, building data models and forecasts that have been used by researchers and policymakers around the globe.

But in a disturbing turn, the Trump administration has ordered the closure of GISS’s Manhattan facility by May 31, abruptly ending the lease that has kept the institute operating in the heart of New York City. Over 130 staff members are now being forced into remote work with no clarity about the lab’s long-term future. The move comes amid Trump’s ongoing crusade to suppress climate science, including efforts to slash NASA’s Earth Science budget in half.

“They are trying to kill the messenger with the bad news,” said Hansen, denouncing the closure. “It’s crazy.”

A Pattern of Denial and Destruction

This closure is not an isolated decision. It’s part of a long-standing pattern of science suppression by Donald Trump, who has repeatedly dismissed climate change as a hoax:

  • In 2012, he tweeted: “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.”

  • In 2015, he declared: “I’m not a big believer in man-made climate change.”

  • In 2016, he called climate science “bullshit.”

  • During his presidency, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, gutted the EPA, and rolled back over 100 environmental protections.

  • His administration also attempted to censor scientific reports, bury climate assessments, and promote fossil fuel use as a central economic strategy.

The closure of GISS is the latest step in that agenda—a symbolic and strategic blow to the heart of American climate science.

Why GISS Matters

GISS is not just another lab—it is one of the world’s most trusted centers for climate monitoring. It has produced global temperature records used by the IPCC, world governments, and even defense agencies. The loss of its physical presence doesn’t just inconvenience scientists—it undermines credibility, collaboration, and continuity in vital climate research.

As climate change accelerates—with 2023 and 2024 ranking among the hottest years in recorded history—the need for independent, science-based institutions like GISS has never been greater.

Silencing Science Is a Threat to Society

The danger of Trump’s denialism goes far beyond budget cuts or facility closures. It erodes public trust in science, spreads disinformation, and delays action at a time when every fraction of a degree of warming matters. While wildfires burn, seas rise, and deadly floods claim lives around the world, Trump and his allies continue to deny, defund, and dismantle the very institutions alerting us to these dangers.

Trump’s strategy is clear: delegitimize the evidence so you can ignore the consequences. Shuttering GISS is just the latest way to do it—by tearing down the infrastructure of knowledge, you don’t have to confront the truth.

Conclusion: The Cost of Denial

History will remember Dr. James Hansen and GISS as pioneers who tried to warn the world. Whether history will remember our political leaders as enablers or protectors of that truth is still being written.

To shut down GISS is not just to close a building—it is to close our eyes to the unfolding crisis. And that’s not just “crazy,” as Hansen says—it’s catastrophic.

The Human Induced Climate Change Experiment

Trumpenomics: The Decline of the US