Donald Trump has erroneously cited a major winter storm sweeping across the United States as supposed proof that global warming is a hoax. The former president posted on Truth Social: “Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain – WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING???”
The storm, affecting at least 230 million people, is caused by a mass of frigid Arctic air colliding with warmer, moister air. When the polar vortex weakens or stretches, freezing air spills southwards. Research published last year suggests global heating may be accelerating this process, as the Arctic warms up to four times faster than the rest of the planet, disrupting the polar vortex.
Scientists stress that a single winter storm does not negate long-term climate trends. The US is undeniably heating up, with winters warming faster than other seasons. Since 1970, average coldest temperatures have risen by at least 2.5°C (4.6°F), and cold snaps have shortened by six days on average, according to Climate Central.
Even amid the current storm, parts of the western US face a severe lack of snow, hampering ski resorts. Record hot days now significantly outnumber cold days across the country.
