White House revives climate office, appoints climate critic as head

The White House announced the revival of the office that prepares the National Climate Assessment. The office was dismantled by the administration last year. It has now been reconstituted as a new climate change office. The administration appointed a climate critic to lead the office. The appointee has been described as skeptical of prevailing climate policies. The decision reflects a shift in the administration’s handling of climate reporting. Observers warn the appointment could affect the assessment’s perceived credibility. The office will resume its role in producing the periodic national climate report.