As cold hits, Trump asks, where’s global warming? Scientists say it’s still here

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🗞️ Driving the news: As a severe winter storm grips large parts of the U.S., Donald Trump questioned the reality of global warming on social media
• Trump cited record cold temperatures to cast doubt on climate change
• Climate scientists widely rejected the claim, stressing that short-term cold weather does not contradict long-term global warming trends

🔭 The context: Scientists distinguish between weather (local, short-term conditions) and climate (global, long-term trends)
• The last three years have been the warmest on record globally
• While the eastern U.S. is unusually cold, most of the planet is experiencing above-average temperatures
• Some researchers suggest Arctic warming may even contribute to more erratic winter cold spells in mid-latitudes

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Misinterpreting cold weather as evidence against climate change risks undermining climate action
• Global winter temperatures have risen about 1.3°F (0.72°C) since the mid-1990s
• Continued warming accelerates ice loss, sea-level rise, and ecosystem disruption—even as cold extremes still occur
• Public confusion weakens support for emissions cuts and climate adaptation at a critical moment

⏭️ What’s next: Scientists expect fewer cold records overall as warming continues
• In January 2026, the U.S. recorded far more heat records than cold records
• Extreme weather variability is likely to persist alongside a rising global temperature baseline

💬 One quote: “Global warming hasn’t gone anywhere — it’s here,” – Gabriel Vecchi, Princeton University climate scientist

📈 One stat: In January 2026, U.S. weather stations logged 1,092 record highs versus 45 record lows

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