Stevens-Taylor Called Climate Change Skeptic After Refusing To Attend Copenhagen Talks

Remmington governor says global warming frenzy threatens economy

JANNAPPA, REMMINGTON--While President Menuhaeo and other Grassadellan leaders were in Copenhagen, Denmark for the international climate change conference, Jen Stevens-Taylor stayed behind in Remmington, boycotting the conference because of his opposition to climate change policy.

The governor of Remmington didn't just boycott Copenhagen, he even attended an anti-climate change rally in downtown Remmington City, Friday, telling protestors that climate change is real but "policy that undermines our economy in the name of environmental security is wrong."

Stevens-Taylor (CNS) was one of only three governors to not attend the Copenhagen gathering. Biereland Governor Jenny Duschowitz (CNS) did not attend because the trip would have been too costly at a time the state budget is in the red, a spokesman said. And Deschire Governor Sharon Kelley (CNS) also did not attend, and instead stayed home to attend to other matters. However, Stevens-Taylor was the only Grassadellan public official to openly admit he was boycotting the talks. The nation's other 15 governors attended, along with Environmental Affairs Secretary Steven McIntosh and Sens. Niles Gilcrest (C-Veroche) and Eli Dundree (N-Kalnier), among others.

Stevens-Taylor's refusal to attend Copenhagen has resulted in criticism from environmentalist groups and the Nationalist Party, which labeled him a "bonafide climate change skeptic."

"Jen Stevens-Taylor is denying climate change is happening, and he's doing so at the cost of his state," Paul Verder, Remmington's NAT Party spokesman told GBC Radio. "He is truly a bonafide climate change skeptic."

But Stevens-Taylor fired back Sunday on the GBC's Weekend Glance program, telling host Gene Caughley that he does believe in climate change.

"I do believe the earth is warming. But let's get one thing straight: there is not consensus on the cause of global warming. Some scientists think it's man-made, some scientists say it is a natural variation in the earth's climate pattern. The fact is, we don't know what's causing it. But everyone agrees the earth is changing," Stevens-Taylor said.

The governor also vehemently denied he is a 'climate change skeptic.'

"I am not a skeptic. But I don't think raising taxes exorbitantly or signing international treaties that erode our national sovereignty is the way to combat global warming. We have to protect our economy and our national sovereignty and the rights of every Grassadellan, because this global warming frenzy is slowly causing other countries to hand over their sovereignty to international bodies and it's slowly taking away our freedoms as Grassadellans," he said.

The governor's own state is facing potential serious consequences from global warming. A recent study put out by the University of Remmington showed climate change could drastically affect Remmington's soil composition and crop output, as well as wind patterns. The study also warned that an increase in annual temperatures could dry up several rivers in the already-dry southeastern desert region of the state.