Mitch Perry
Wilbur Ross, Donald Trump’s selection to be the country’s next Commerce Secretary, told U.S. Senator Bill Nelson earlier this week that after he’s confirmed by the U.S. Senate, one of the first things he’ll do is meet with scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). That’s the agency that controls the National Weather Service and conducts research on matters such as the rising sea level that scientists blame on global warming.
“Indeed, if confirmed, one of my first orders of business will be to begin meeting with NOAA scientists to become fully briefed on what they are seeing with respect to weather and climate information and how the Department can ensure that the National Weather Service continues to make advances to improve the timeliness and accuracy of weather forecasting,” Ross wrote to Nelson on Monday. “I also look forward to meeting with scientists from the National Marine Fisheries Service to learn how changes in ocean temperature patterns are affecting fishery stocks and allocation decisions. In addition, I look forward to learning about NOAA’s ongoing efforts to assist coastal communities in coping with changes in sea level rise and storm intensity.
The response came after Nelson penned his own “Dear Wilbur”letter following Ross’ appearance before the Senate Commerce Committee last week (that committee approved Ross’ nomination on Tuesday). In that letter, the Florida Senator told Ross (who lives part-time in Palm Beach County) that he wanted a “clear commitment” that he wants him to “continue to support the continuation of climate research and monitoring programs programs under your jurisdiction.”
Ross also said that he that believes that “science should be left so scientists.”
“If confirmed, I intend to see that the Department provides the public with as much factual and accurate data as we have available,” he added.
However, Ross also wrote that “we put aside for now the question of what is causing these changes, and agree to focus on addressing the impacts of those changes.”
That particular line irked a group of scientists who wrote to Ross last week, telling him that he should support and defend Florida’s coastline, “as it could save your own home.”
The scientists say they found much of his response to be “encouraging,” but took exception to that line.
“…it is also imperative to address mitigation: reducing carbon emissions,” the Florida scientists wrote. ” Humans are causing the climate to change and we must respond to that. The science is settled.”
The letter was signed by many of the same group of scientists who were able to get an audience with Florida Governor Rick Scott in 2014, when he was running for reelection. They were not as successful in attempting to reach out to Trump last fall.
Here is their letter:
We were pleased to see the exchange between Senator Bill Nelson and Wilbur Ross regarding the impact of sea level and ocean temperature changes in Florida. We agree with Senator Nelson that climate change poses a grave risk to the economy and the environment of Florida and the nation.
We find Ross’s statement that “science should be left to scientists” encouraging. We are pleased with his commitment to provide the public with accurate and peer-reviewed scientific research.
One point in Ross’s letter gave us pause. He said:
“Let me preface the following by suggesting that we put aside for now the question of what is causing these changes, and agree to focus on addressing the impacts of those changes.”
We agree that focusing on the immediate impacts of rising seas, especially in communities like Miami Beach makes sense. In the near-term we should focus on how to respond to the climate changes that we’ve already committed to – something we call adaptation.
However it is also imperative to address mitigation: reducing carbon emissions. Humans are causing the climate to change and we must respond to that. The science is settled.
We noticed that Ross would receive briefings from NOAA and National Marine Fisheries scientists. We are also happy to talk with him in more detail about the causes of climate change.
We look forward to working with Wilbur Ross and the Commerce Department and stand ready to provide a scientific perspective to further good public policy.
Jeff Chanton, Professor
The John Widmer Winchester Professor of Oceanography
Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science
Florida State University
Ben Kirtman, Professor
Department of Atmospheric Science
Rosenstiel School for Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
University of Miami
David Hastings, Professor
Marine Science and Chemistry
Eckerd College
Barry Heimlich, Vice Chair
Climate Change Task Force
Broward County
Dr. Marguerite Koch, Professor
Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Florida Atlantic University
John H. Parker, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Environmental Science
Department of Earth and Environment
Florida International University
Randall W. Parkinson, Ph.D., P.G., Research Faculty Affiliate
Institute for Water and Environment
Florida International University
Harold R. Wanless, Professor and Chair
Department of Geological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
University of Miami
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this letter are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of their respective organization.
