In an apparent break from the Trump White House, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reportedly signed a declaration that acknowledges the reality of climate change and the threat it poses to the Arctic.
Tillerson’s move has raised eyebrows, considering that it contradicts the White House’s stance in the issue. The signing of the declaration also comes after President Trump’s numerous threats to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.
According to The Hill, Tillerson signed the declaration at a meeting of the Arctic Council in Fairbanks, Alaska, which is comprised of “indigenous groups and eight countries with territory bordering the Arctic Circle.”
“In the United States, we are currently reviewing several important policies, including how the Trump administration will approach the issue of climate change,” Tillerson said at the meeting.
“We are appreciative that each of you has an important point of view, and you should know that we are taking the time to understand your concerns. We’re not going to rush to make a decision. We’re going to work to make the right decision for the United States.”
Skepticism of climate change is a reoccurring theme in the Trump administration. In early April, EPA chief Scott Priutt appeared on CNBC and declared that CO2 was not a “primary contributor to the global warming that we see.” Trump himself has referred to climate change as a “hoax” perpetuated by the Chinese.
Featured image: U.S. State Department
