Trump appoints man who thinks climate science is 'junk' to top science post

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Donald Trump has nominated one of his long-time allies and a strident climate sceptic to serve in the top scientific post at the Agriculture Department.

Sam Clovis, who has described the near universal consensus on the threat of climate change as “junk science”, was selected for the position of the USDA’s Research, Education and Economics division.

His position, if confirmed, would involve the oversight of a portfolio worth around $3bn, and which is dedicated to research and education. He will also serve as the department’s chief scientist.

The Washington Post said that a 2008 farm bill specifies that appointees to the post should be chosen “from among distinguished scientists with specialised training or significant experience in agricultural research, education, and economics”.

Mr Clovis has a doctorate in public administration and was a professor of economics at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. He unsuccessfully ran for US Senate in 2014. He is also famous for a talk radio host and has repeatedly questioned the consensus that humans are the primary drivers of the change to the planet’s climate.

Speaking on Iowa Public Radio in 2014, he said the climate change consensus was “junk science” and “not proven.” In October, he told E&E News that a Trump administration would not prioritise climate science in its agriculture policy.

“I think our position is very clearly that Mr Trump is a sceptic on climate change, and we need more science. Once we get more science, we’re going to make decisions,” Mr Clovis said.

In 2016, Mr Clovis he joined the Trump campaign's rnational security advisory group, and provided advice on Russia.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said in a statement that Mr Clovis had become a “trusted advisor and steady hand as we continue to work for the people of agriculture”.

He added: “He looks at every problem with a critical eye, relying on sound science and data, and will be the facilitator and integrator we need. Dr Clovis has served this nation proudly since he was a very young man, and I am happy he is continuing to serve.”