A Climate Skeptic Will Oversee the National Climate Assessment

The appointment of Matthew Wielicki, a vocal climate change skeptic and former geochemist, to lead the U.S. Global Change Research Program has raised eyebrows. Wielicki's outspoken denial of climate change contrasts sharply with the mission of the National Climate Assessment, a crucial report that evaluates the impacts of climate change in the U.S. This shift may signal a potential change in the narrative and focus of the assessment, raising concerns among environmental advocates about the integrity and future direction of climate research and policy in the country. It underscores the broader debate over climate science and the influence of skepticism in scientific leadership.