Georgia Entertainment Scene

The Weather Channel disavows co-founder's comments on climate change

John Coleman on Fox News earlier this week saying there is no climate crisis. CREDIT: Fox News
John Coleman on Fox News earlier this week saying there is no climate crisis. CREDIT: Fox News
Oct 30, 2014

Atlanta-based Weather Channel CEO David Kenny told staff in a note today that the network co-founder's comments to Fox News questioning climate change were not opinions reflected by the Weather Channel itself.

“Not only is the ice not melting, more polar bears are alive and happy today than we’ve had in 100 years,” John Coleman told Fox News host Megyn Kelly earlier this week. The  research behind climate change “is bad, bad science."

Coleman, 80 and a veteran weatherman, helped start the Weather Channel when it debuted in 1981. He has disavowed climate change for many years, calling it a "scam."

Across our platforms we explain clearly that we support the consensus science on climate change as shown by the IPCC and the 2014 National Climate Assessment. We are proud of our scientists who accurately represent the science in their writing, research and coverage. Of course, the work of Dr. Jeff Masters and Stu Ostro come to mind first. Just by reading their blogs or hearing them speak on the topic, you understand why it is so important for us to continue reporting on climate on all of our platforms.

For those asking for more or a place to point people, I recommend this Weather Underground article on climate change or The Weather Channel position statement. This is also in accordance with the United States military's view on its importance for our national security. In addition, if you have not seen our recent "2050 video" produced in conjunction with the United Nations and WMO, it is a great example of how we can bring science to life for our viewers.

Link up with me at my Twitter and Facebook pages .

About the Author

Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.

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