I’m Not a Scientist, Either. I Still Understand Climate Science.
I’m Not a Scientist, Either. I Still Understand Climate Science.
My Grade 10 chemistry teacher knew I’d never earn a science degree. But I still understand why a climate denier can’t head up the World Bank. Here’s why David Malpass’ resignation matters.
David Malpass’ surprise resignation from his post as World Bank president made very few ripples in Canadian media, generating far more coverage in countries on the receiving end of the agency’s often punitive policies and practices. But it’s an important milestone on the road to climate stability and climate justice.
It means we’re finally past the point when public figures can refuse to declare themselves on the reality and the urgency of the climate crisis by claiming the science is beyond them.
And climate hawks are celebrating a moment that “should open up a new era for financing the global shift to a low-carbon economy,” the Guardian reports.
For far too long, four simple, seemingly innocent words—“I’m not a scientist”—have been a mainstay for climate deniers in public positions who rejected the overwhelming scientific evidence on the climate emergency, but knew enough not to say it out loud in polite company. Malpass tried it last fall after former U.S. vice president Al Gore called for his removal, during a public symposium on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
New York Times reporter David Gelles recounts what happened next.