Former University of Alabama professor Matthew Wielicki, who has challenged claims that climate change constitutes a crisis, has been chosen to lead the U.S. Global Change Research Program.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Trump administration has selected former professor Matthew Wielicki to lead the U.S. Global Change Research Program, placing a climate crisis skeptic in charge of a federal effort that coordinates climate and environmental research across the government.
Wielicki, who writes the “Irrational Fear” Substack, previously taught geology and geochemistry at the University of Alabama. He has disputed the claim that climate change is creating a crisis, a position that generated tension during his time in academia.
After leaving the university, Wielicki described himself as a “professor in exile,” saying a career in academia would have limited his intellectual freedom.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright praised the selection in a statement posted on X, saying Wielicki would bring a data-focused approach to the federal program.
“Matt Weilicki is an honest scientist who follows the data wherever it leads. That is what science is all about. He will lead our efforts to honestly present the empirical climate data to guide policy makers,” Wright said.
The U.S. Global Change Research Program was established in 1990 and coordinates climate and environmental research among 13 federal departments and agencies.
Wielicki’s appointment gives the program a leader who has publicly questioned the prevailing climate crisis narrative and argued for a closer focus on empirical climate data in policymaking.
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