Benishek questioned on global warming, climate change

SKANDIA — Whether you call it global warming or climate change–it’s not man-made, according to the Upper Peninsula’s Republican Congressman.

During a recent visit to a Skandia dairy farm, Dan Benishek (R-Crystal Falls) said he does not believe the many computer models and other climate change evidence.

ABC 10’s news director, Greg Peterson, spoke with Benishek.

“The climate may be changing, but I don’t think man is contributing to it,” Benishek said.

“What do you think does it?” Peterson asked.

“Well, I think it’s just the natural course of things,” Benishek said. “There is no scientific evidence that shows any of that.”

“What do you think about the stuff in the air?” Peterson asked. “Do you think it just isn’t quite significant enough to affect it?”

“What stuff are you talking about?” Benishek asked.

“Pollution, in many of our big cities,” Peterson said. “China.”

“China is a major problem,” Benishek said.  “We have to address the Chinese.”

“(What about) the whole scenario?” Peterson asked.

“Well, I’m not sure where it fits in, but I’m not sure there’s any evidence to prove that there’s man-made catastrophic global warming,” Benishek said.

“And you really, really in your heart believe it?” Peterson asked.

“Well, there’s no significant scientific evidence,” Benishek said.

“I could throw some science at you,” Peterson said.

“Well, I am a scientist,” Benishek said.  “You know, I believe in peer-reviewed science.  But, I don’t see any peer-reviewed science that proves there is man-made catastrophic climate change.”

Benishek’s Democratic opponent, Jerry Cannon, says he does believe in global warming.