I fought Jim Bridenstine to run NASA because he was a climate denier. He has since changed his mind, and has confirmed that climate change is caused by humans. This is an act of common sense and courage. Thank you, Administrator Bridenstine. https://t.co/ZxBbkqefVn
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) May 23, 2018
Sen. @brianschatz: "Do you agree with the scientific consensus…that the climate is changing, and humans are the leading cause?"
.@NASA Administrator @JimBridenstine: "Yes."
Schatz: "Is it fair to call this an evolution of your views?"
Bridenstine "Yes."https://t.co/9umukWpNfe pic.twitter.com/59cPOHftRk— CSPAN (@cspan) May 24, 2018
Did any Senator ask him that question during his confirmation hearing?
Good for Bridenstine!
For most politicians, I think it is pointless to ask their personal views; they adopt whatever position will win them the support of thier constituents. It is doubtful to me that Mr. Bridenstine has any strong personal view on climate change, nor would it be to his advantage to have one. When he was serving a conservative party, his constituents included the energy industry (and even some actual voters) who opposed policies that would reduce carbon emissions, and he took the position that global warming was not real. Now his constituents are NASA itself and its supporters in Congress, so he takes the opposite position.
We have to remember our own ideals, but be pragmatic in achieving them. Bridenstine’s personal beliefs will not determine NASA policy. Ultimately that will be determined by who gets elected to Congress and the White House. Which is up to us.