Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UN environment chief 'concerned' by climate change sceptics among Trump's Cabinet nominees

You will be in the Middle Ages if you deny science', says UN Environment Programme Executive Director Erik Solheim

Kanupriya Kapoor
Wednesday 14 December 2016 15:30 GMT
Comments
Erik Solheim, executive director of the UN Environment Program,
Erik Solheim, executive director of the UN Environment Program, (Kacper Pempel/Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Some elite US politicians’ denial of the science backing up climate change is worrying, the United Nations environment chief has said, adding that the fight against global warming would continue, even without the United States.

US President-elect Donald Trump has in the past dismissed climate change as a “hoax”, vowing during his campaign to pull the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, a deal among nearly 200 countries to curb global warming.

Trump, who won the November election on a range of populist promises to deregulate and revive the energy sector, has appointed to his cabinet climate change sceptics, including oil magnates - moves that have angered green groups.

Erik Solheim, executive director of the UN Environment Programme, said in an interview he was not concerned about oil industry stalwarts in Trump’s cabinet, because they brought experience in handling major energy projects and negotiations.

“However, I am concerned that some elite American politicians deny science. You will be in the Middle Ages if you deny science,” he told Reuters in the Indonesian capital, in response to a question about Trump’s cabinet picks.

Trump has appointed at least three cabinet members who have in the past cast doubt on the science behind climate change.

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, who opposed President Barack Obama’s measures to fight climate change, has been picked to head the Environmental Protection Agency.

Former Texas governor Rick Perry has been appointed to lead the Energy Department, which he once proposed scrapping altogether.

Rex Tillerson, chief executive of ExxonMobil Corp will be secretary of state, the country’s top diplomat.

The majority of scientists around the world say global warming is causing rising sea levels, drought, and an increase in storms.

Solheim said even though Trump’s environmental policies remained unclear, the battle against climate change would continue.

“If the United States, in the worst case, were to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, we will depend more on China,” he added. “China and… many others will provide the global leadership we need.”

Since the election, however, Trump has said he will keep an “open mind” about the climate deal, and has also met former Vice President Al Gore, a leading climate change activist.

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in