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ADVISORY FROM SPECIALISTS
Experts from the University of Michigan are ready to provide insights on the possible annulment of the 2009 declaration categorizing greenhouse gas emissions as detrimental to public health—referred to as the endangerment finding.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reportedly deliberating on this move.
The specialists include:
Andy Hoffman holds the title of Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise, a role that encompasses joint appointments at the Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability.
“The EPA’s prospective choice to overturn the endangerment finding regarding climate change would essentially imply that climate change poses no danger,” he stated. “We can choose to dismiss that risk, but the insurance sector definitely does not, with escalating storm frequency and severity contributing to higher property insurance premiums, diminishing coverage, elevated deductibles, more exclusions, and in some cases, total withdrawal from specific markets.”
Contact: [email protected]
Richard Rood is a professor emeritus in climate and space sciences and engineering, and he can discuss the intersection of science and policy.
“Across the board, we observe a strategy emerging that echoes the phrase ‘If it can’t be measured, it can’t be managed.’ Essentially, if something isn’t measured, then it cannot be overseen or regulated.
“The part that science plays in regulation and policymaking has been undervalued during the ongoing disassembly of our scientific framework. The continuous and unwavering initiatives over recent years to dismantle the systems and institutions meant for climate regulation indicate that this is more than just the actions of a single administration.”
Contact: [email protected]
Ann Jeffers serves as an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at U-M, with research focused on fire safety engineering and the response of structures to severe load events such as wildfires.
“Lifting limitations on carbon emissions will only worsen climate-related catastrophes. If you think America currently faces a wildfire crisis, just wait.
“Carbon emissions are recognized as the principal cause of climate change, creating a hotter, drier environment in North America. This has led to more frequent and severe wildfires than we have previously experienced, resulting in catastrophic incidents like the Los Angeles fires earlier this year, which destroyed thousands of structures and incurred billions in losses.”
Contact: [email protected]
Liesl Eichler Clark, the director of climate action engagement at the School for Environment and Sustainability, spearheads a new initiative designed to connect the university’s growing sustainability research, collaborations, and outreach with external entities to enhance climate action throughout Michigan and beyond.
“Americans are grappling daily with the consequences of our evolving climate—from catastrophic floods to hurricanes and the now-frequent issue of wildfires, among other adverse effects. Climate change is leading to loss of lives and property and negatively impacting human health.
“Michigan is advancing in curbing our CO2 emissions in a cost-effective manner that enhances life for Michiganders, guided by the MI Healthy Climate Plan framework, which utilizes clean energy solutions that are often more affordable and user-friendly. Clean energy job opportunities in Michigan are on the rise, and our clean economy is expanding. We will persist in leading.”
Contact: [email protected]
Alexander Rodriguez is an assistant professor in computer science and engineering who develops machine-learning and deep-learning algorithms to enhance predictions related to heat-related fatalities. He can provide insights on the dangers posed by heatwaves and how forecasting methods may need to evolve in the future.
“Heatwaves significantly contribute to mortality in urban environments. For instance, extreme heat claimed over 2,000 lives across 12 major European cities this June and July, while another heatwave resulted in over 40,000 fatalities in 2003. Multiple studies indicate that we are moving toward an era where heatwaves will be more frequent and severe, and the decision to revoke the EPA’s endangerment finding signals a reduction in efforts to combat these trends.
“It’s clear that we will require more advanced forecasting systems and considerable enhancements to them. Current techniques predominantly rely on meteorological data, but we can improve predictions of heatwave threats by integrating various other social and environmental elements that can elevate their lethality.”
Contact: [email protected]
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