I’m VERY happy to see Sen. Tim Kaine join Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and other Senators to discuss (see videos below) the fossil fuel industry-funded “web of denial” when it comes to climate science. As Sen. Kaine tweeted, “I stand w/ @SenateDems because it’s #TimeToCallOut the industry-led #WebOfDenial blocking climate action in Congress.” Sen. Kaine also tweeted, “Climate change is real, it’s happening in Virginia and we can and must rise to the challenge of addressing it #WebOfDenial.”
Kaine specifically noted that Norfolk and the surrounding area – home to the “largest concentration of naval power in the world” – is the second most vulnerable area in the country to climate-change-fueled sea-level rise. Kaine also discussed Tangier Island, “one of the most unique parts of Virginia,” which could end up under water to global warming. Kaine noted that while the vast majority of Virginians understand that climate change is happening, but that there is an organized effort by fossil-fuel-funded science denial organizations out there trying to confuse people. That’s the climate “web of denial,” and it’s super “shadowy.” Kaine specifically calls out the “Science and Public Policy Institute,” the “Virginia Institute for Public Policy,” the “C02 Coalition,” and the bizarro “Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation.”
Again, thanks to Sen. Kaine for calling out these fossil-funded deniers, for standing up for science and the future of the planet. It’s also encouraging, given that Kaine very well could be our country’s next Vice President…but regardless, Kaine’s acting like a leader on an issue that is truly existential, and that’s a great thing to see.
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