On a recent episode of “Real Time,” Bill Maher seemed to mix up carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide while taking a jab at Interior Secretary Doug Burgum over environmental regulation rollbacks. Maher referenced the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate certain Obama-era greenhouse gas rules, labeling it as “the greatest policy in American history.”
He specifically called out Burgum, saying, “He said that CO2, carbon, is never a pollutant. He said that when we breathe, we exhale CO2. Okay, Doug, you know what? Let’s do this little experiment. Tonight, when we get home, let’s go to the garage, close the door, turn on the car, and see if carbon is a pollutant, okay? Thank you.”
Although Maher dismissed Burgum’s claims as “nonsense,” social media users were quick to point out that carbon monoxide, which is emitted from car exhaust, is distinctly different from carbon dioxide.
One user expressed disappointment in Maher’s misunderstanding, stating, “I usually like Bill Maher, but trying to accuse someone of climate change denial without understanding the difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide pretty much sums up the left’s unearned sense of moral superiority.”
Another commenter, meteorologist Chris Mertz, added, “I really like Bill Maher, but someone needs to explain to him the difference between poisoning with carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is virtually harmless, and carbon monoxide (CO). I’d also be happy to debate climate change with Maher. If you could fly me to L.A., I’ll be there.”
Senator Mike Lee remarked, “Different carbon, different effects, CO = deadly CO2 = food for plants / exhaled by all breathing animals.”
Meanwhile, Burgum’s office pointed to President Trump’s comments when responding to Maher’s remarks. On another note, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to rescind the 2009 Obama-era Hazard Findings, which previously linked several greenhouse gases to threats against public health and future generations.
While Burgum backed the decision in interviews, emphasizing the importance of energy abundance, Maher’s comments have sparked discussions about the challenges of understanding climate science and the distinctions between different types of carbon compounds.
