Climate Roundup - May 2026
This month, Western Europe faced an unusually early and deadly heatwave, while El Niño was responsible for an above-average hurricane season in the Eastern and Central Pacific. Additionally, the United Nations General Assembly backed a historic climate ruling by the International Court of Justice.
Trump Tracker
The Trump administration is set to kill Biden-era limits on toxic PFAS, colloquially known as "forever chemicals", in drinking water. These synthetic compounds are extremely difficult to break down, posing environmental and health risks.
Studies have shown that these chemicals are linked to a range of health problems, including decreased fertility, prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer, immune system suppression, increased risk of obesity, and developmental delays in infants and children.
A federal survey released in 2023 found that forever chemicals contaminate nearly half of all US tap water and about 70% of urban tap water sources.
Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will issue two new rules aimed at delaying and rescinding the limits. The first rule will repeal 2024 regulations that set nationwide limits on four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – GenX, PFNA, PFBS, and PFHxS – in drinking water.
The second proposal would retain limits on two PFAS known as PFOA and PFOS, but extend the deadline for water utilities to comply with the regulations from 2029 to 2031.
Scientists warn that there is no level of exposure to these chemicals without risk of health impacts, including certain cancers.
To learn more, click here.
Additionally, 16 Trump-appointed EPA officials were paid more than $2.8 million by chemical companies and trade groups seeking an end to the federal disaster management system that protects 16 million people in the US.
To learn more, click here.