Amy Coney Barrett’s Climate Denialism
“I’m not a scientist” is not an excuse for a Supreme Court Justice.
When the topic of climate change comes up, you often hear conservatives use a bizarre defence: “I’m not an expert” or “I’m not a scientist.” This rhetorical move may seem innocent, but it is revealing of a specific form of climate denialism.
Yesterday, this came up in the confirmation hearing of Amy Coney Barrett, who is a nominee for the Supreme Court of the United States.
Sen. Kennedy: Do you have some opinions on climate change that you’ve thought about?
Barrett: I’m certainly not a scientist.
Sen. Kennedy: I’m not saying you are.
Barrett: I have read things about climate change. I would not say I have firm views on it.
What a weird exchange. Let’s change it up a touch to highlight the absurdity.
Sen. Kennedy: Do you have some opinions on the giant meteor heading towards earth that you’ve thought about?
