A set of eight talking points instructing staff to underscore climate change “uncertainties” was circulated to staff at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One of the agency guidelines suggests “human activity impacts our changing climate in some manner” but with the caveat that “the ability to measure with precision the degree and extent of that impact, and what to do about it, are subject to continuing debate and dialogue.” Another talking point reads: “While there has been extensive research and a host of published reports on climate change, clear gaps remain including our understanding of the role of human activity and what we can do about it.”
Administrator Scott Pruitt is at odds with the scientific community and earlier in the administration, suggested hosting “red team, blue team” climate science debates, an idea White House Chief of Staff John Kelly vetoed. After a brief hiatus, Pruitt is once again climate jester of the week.