Climate change is happening. The overwhelming majority — 97 percent — of scientists have confirmed that human activity is driving global warming, and even though it’s been cold recently in the U.S., 2014 was the hottest year on record globally and 14 of the 15 warmest years on record have all occurred in the 21st century.
Despite the evidence, many of America’s elected officials have chosen to plug their ears and ignore what the science says. A shocking number of Republicans — over 56 percent — in the 114th Congress have expressed doubt about the science behind climate change, according to an analysis by CAP Action. Forty-two states have at least one representative who denies climate change science. Many of their statements reflect that of Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL), who described climate change as a naturally-occurring process just yesterday.
It shouldn’t be surprising that most of these climate denying members are heavily funded by the fossil fuel industry. CAP Action found that 169 deniers in the House and Senate have taken over $63 million from the coal, oil, and gas industries, while the 364 non-deniers received only $35 million in fossil fuel contributions.
Climate Progress has a new infographic showing the 114th Congress edition of the Anti-Science Climate Denier Caucus in detail. The full list of caucus members can be read here.
