Fox News host Jesse Watters, known for his persistent denial of climate change, recently perpetuated discredited misinformation on January 31. Watters attempted to undermine the assertion that 2023 was the hottest year on record by spreading false claims that climate scientists were manipulating data.
In his attempt to debunk the widely accepted fact that 2023 was indeed the hottest year on record, Watters resorted to a baseless argument. He repeated a debunked assertion that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) intentionally placed thermometers on urban concrete, leading to skewed temperature data.
Watters confidently asserted, “Concrete and asphalt attract heat and retain heat a lot more than the countryside. No wonder we think the earth’s warming. We’re literally cooking the books.” This statement not only misrepresents the scientific consensus on climate change but also promotes a flawed understanding of how temperature measurements are conducted.
It is crucial to emphasize that Watters’ claims have been thoroughly fact-checked and debunked. The idea that NOAA deliberately manipulated temperature data by placing thermometers on urban surfaces is entirely unfounded. The organization employs a rigorous methodology for collecting temperature data, which includes carefully selecting monitoring stations to ensure accurate representation.
Watters’ continuous denial of climate change and propagation of misleading information undermines efforts to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Climate scientists worldwide have consistently warned about the alarming consequences of rising global temperatures, such as more frequent and severe weather events.
It is essential to rely on accurate and evidence-based information when discussing climate change. Dismissing the overwhelming scientific consensus on this issue only serves to hinder progress and jeopardize the well-being of future generations.
