As the leading scientific society representing climate scientists, AGU urges revocation of David Legates’ appointment as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Observation and Prediction at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. With climate change producing raging wildfires in the western United States and devastating hurricanes in the Atlantic, our nation – and the world – cannot afford to have our federal government undermining the important work of climate scientists. Legates’ appointment not only threatens our ability to combat the climate crisis and protect our planet for future generations, it undermines scientific integrity at NOAA. Climate change knows no boundaries. As such, the impact of this appointment will be felt around the world.
As a retired environmental educator and interpretive naturalist I am apalled at this appointment! Climate change is killing the planet!