Former President Donald Trump recently used a significant winter storm forecast, expected to impact two-thirds of the United States, as evidence to assert that global warming does not exist.In a post on Truth Social, he stated, "Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States.Rarely seen anything like it before.Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain - WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???".
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cbsnews.comClimate scientists have consistently debunked this argument, noting that it conflates short-term weather variations with long-term climate trends.Dr Steven Decker, director of Rutgers University's Meteorology Undergraduate Program, explained that the cold air currently affecting the US represents weather, while climate encompasses long-term average temperatures that indicate a warming trend globally.
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cbsnews.comAccording to the United States Geological Survey, global warming refers to the rise in average global temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, which is a critical aspect of climate change.
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cbsnews.comFurthermore, Dr Daniel L.Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, highlighted that heavy ice accumulations often occur when warm air meets cold air from the Arctic.This phenomenon requires substantial portions of the atmosphere to remain above freezing, thereby allowing precipitation to melt instead of falling as snow.
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cbsnews.comHistorical data reveals a warming trend in winter temperatures across the eastern US over the past century, while the western US has experienced record-warm winter temperatures.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently ranked 2025 as the third warmest year since 1850, with all ten of the warmest years recorded since 2015.
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factcheck.orgSwain pointed out that Trump's characterization of the winter storm as a "record cold wave" is inaccurate.He noted that while some areas may witness record-breaking ice accumulations, the overall trend of increasing temperatures remains consistent with climate change predictions.
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cbsnews.comThe argument that cold weather disproves global warming is a common tactic used by those skeptical of climate science.This rhetoric often emerges during winter months, as seen in previous statements by Trump and others.For instance, during a severe cold snap in 2018, Trump tweeted about needing "a little bit of that good old Global Warming".
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morningsidecenter.orgSuch claims ignore the fundamental difference between localized weather events and the broader patterns of climate change.The misuse of terminology in climate discussions, like confusing "climate" with "weather," has been a recurrent theme.While weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, climate represents long-term averages over decades or centuries.This distinction is essential for understanding climate dynamics, as scientific consensus affirms that climate change is a reality, regardless of temporary weather fluctuations.
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factcheck.orgmorningsidecenter.orgMoreover, Trump's repeated assertions that scientists have abandoned the term "global warming" in favor of "climate change" are misleading.Experts continue to use both terms, with "global warming" specifically referring to the rise in Earth's average temperature, while "climate change" encompasses the broader range of environmental impacts resulting from this warming, including extreme weather patterns and rising sea levels.
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factcheck.orgDespite the evidence supporting climate change, Trump's assertions reflect a broader political strategy among some Republicans, who have shifted from outright denial to questioning the urgency and the human role in climate change.This rhetoric often includes dismissive claims about exaggerated risks and the feasibility of climate solutions, further muddying public understanding of the issue.
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factcheck.orgIn light of the winter storm and Trump's comments, scientists emphasize that the understanding of climate change is rooted in long-term data and trends, not isolated weather events.As the climate continues to warm, extreme weather patterns, including severe cold snaps, may become more common due to shifts in atmospheric conditions, such as the weakening of the polar vortex, which can allow Arctic air to push further south into the US.
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cbsnews.commorningsidecenter.orgUltimately, the discourse surrounding climate change requires a clear distinction between the immediate impacts of weather and the gradual shifts in climate.The scientific community continues to advocate for informed discussions based on evidence, urging the public and policymakers alike to recognize the undeniable realities of climate change, irrespective of temporary weather phenomena.
