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U.N. Climate Panel Phases Out Highest Emissions Scenario

Climate scientists have moved away from the most extreme emissions pathway previously used in U.N.-backed modeling. President Trump criticized Democratic climate policies following the change.

New York Post
1 source·May 17, 12:52 PM(12 days ago)·1m read
U.N. Climate Panel Phases Out Highest Emissions ScenarioNew York Post
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Climate scientists have moved away from the most extreme emissions scenario previously used in United Nations-backed climate modeling. 5 was incorrect.

The scenario projected severe global warming outcomes under extremely high emissions assumptions, including significant global temperature increases and sea level rises. Researchers writing in the journal Geoscientific Model Development said future climate scenarios should continue to cover a wide range of outcomes.

5 have become implausible based on trends in the costs of renewables, the emergence of climate policy, and recent emission trends.

President Trump accused Democrats of using climate fears to justify energy policies and government spending. He said his administration would be based on truth, science, and fact.

N. General Assembly in New York. At that time he called climate change a con job and said predictions made by the United Nations and others were wrong. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the remarks were total disinformation. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the president’s climate remarks in an interview with Fox News.

Key Facts

RCP8.5 / SSP5-8.5
highest emissions scenario now being phased out
Geoscientific Model Development
journal where researchers published updated assessment
Renewables cost trends
one reason high-emission path now considered implausible

Story Timeline

2 events
  1. September 2025

    President Trump called climate change a con job at the U.N. General Assembly.

    1 sourceNew York Post
  2. May 17, 2026

    President Trump posted on Truth Social about the emissions scenario change.

    1 sourceNew York Post

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    Climate models may use a narrower range of high-end emissions assumptions in future projections.

  2. 02

    Policy debates may reference the updated plausibility assessment of SSP5-8.5.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count175 words
PublishedMay 17, 2026, 12:52 PM
Bias signals removed1 across 1 outlet
Signal Breakdown
Loaded 1

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