For 30 years, scientist Benjamin Santer studied how humans affect the climate. He worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California until 2021. Santer developed methods to show that people were changing the global climate. His work helped prove that human-caused warming was real, which was important for a United Nations report in 1995.
However, in July 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy published a review that seemed to contradict his findings. The review, titled "A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate," used Santer's own research. But the authors used it to argue the opposite of what Santer had proven about human-caused warming.
Santer was surprised and said the government document did not represent his work correctly. He stated that the agency's leader was still calling it a reliable source, which he disagreed with.
Santer explained that he looks for a specific sign: the lower atmosphere getting warmer while the upper atmosphere gets colder. This matches computer predictions for pollution. The government review mentioned this cooling in the upper atmosphere but used it to question the climate crisis, while also incorrectly using Santer's name to support their claims.
The review also suggested that more carbon dioxide might benefit U.S. agriculture, ignoring how heat and bad weather damage crops. Experts noted that rising temperatures cause droughts. The review was linked to individuals associated with the Heartland Institute, an organization known for questioning mainstream climate science.
This flawed review was used by the government to remove environmental rules. The Trump administration canceled a 2009 rule that allowed the Environmental Protection Agency to limit pollution from cars and power plants. The government claimed that reducing emissions would harm the economy.
Santer decided to act. In February 2026, he and other scientists, including Susan Solomon, published a correction in a scientific journal. Santer emphasized the importance of correcting false information in government reports, especially when it affects climate laws. Over 85 other experts also signed a letter pointing out the government's errors.
Despite this, the political climate in the U.S. became difficult for Santer. In 2026, he moved to the United Kingdom to work at the University of East Anglia. He continues his work, stating that understanding human impact on Earth is essential.