Delaware’s climatologist, known as climate change skeptic, steps down

    As promised, David R. Legates has stepped down from his role as Delaware’s climatologist.

    Known for his view that people don’t contribute to climate change, the University of Delaware professor accepted the state position in 2005 when fellow professor Dan Leathers left the post for another position in the university.

    At the time, Legates agreed to step down from the state role when Leathers finished his work as deputy dean in the College of Earth, Ocean and the Environment.

    The Wilmington News Journal reports both Gov. Jack Markell and former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner ordered that Legates not identify himself as the state climatologist when talking about his controversial views on climate change — a policy that applies to Leathers, as well.

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