Michael S. Simon, MD, MPH
The Ann Arbor Jewish Climate Circle vehemently opposes the rollback of the Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards endorsed by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin under the direction of the Trump administration. This “rollback,” which might be understood as an EPA action, is actually promoting inaction at a time when more action is needed to combat rapid climate change.
As established by the scientific community, the endangerment finding correctly concludes that climate change endangers the health and welfare of current and future generations. In Michigan, we are already exposed to toxic levels of smoke from climate-induced wildfires, weeks of extreme heat, heat-related deaths, and excessive flooding.
The established facts are that pollutants that contribute to greenhouse gases have a potent adverse impact on human health, including increased risks of heart and lung disease and cancer. As a healthcare professional and Medical Oncologist, I am concerned that the trajectory of new cancer cases and deaths will undoubtedly rise as a result of the proposed changes. I also know that the underserved population is particularly susceptible to the harmful impacts of climate change.
I wonder how the EPA Administrator, Mr. Zeldin, will explain to his children and grandchildren that under his leadership, and by his decisions, the health of our country was degraded for generations. How will Mr. Zeldin respond to the resulting increased prevalence of childhood asthma, chronic lung disease, and other adverse health outcomes?
I strongly encourage Mr. Zeldin to embrace the Jewish concept of “Tikkun Olam”, repairing the world, as a core principle, and to adhere to the responsibility incumbent on all of us to make the world a better place.