Trump energy nominee faces backlash for misrepresenting climate studies

Chris Wright, Donald Trump’s Energy Department nominee, claims scientific research supports his view that there is no climate crisis, but the authors of the studies he cites say he misrepresents their findings.

Evan Halper and Peter Whoriskey report for The Washington Post.

In short:

Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy and nominee for energy secretary, argues climate risks are overstated, citing studies he claims support his position.
Scientists behind those studies assert Wright cherry-picks and distorts their findings, misattributing reductions in cold-related deaths and minimizing climate change's impacts.
Wright’s stance, aligned with fossil fuel advocacy, raises concerns about how he might shape U.S. energy policy under Trump.

Key quote:

“What he is saying is flat out wrong.”

— Jim Kossin, climate scientist and IPCC report author

Why this matters:

Wright's leadership in the Energy Department could reverse progress on clean energy and environmental protections. Misrepresentation of scientific research undermines efforts to address climate change, potentially endangering public health and global sustainability.

www.washingtonpost.com

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