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Climate change top issue that separates Dems, Republicans, expert says

Posted at 10:32 PM, Mar 23, 2015
and last updated 2015-03-24 11:11:16-04

By MATT McDONALD

SALT LAKE CITY -- Declaring his intent to run for president in 2016, Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, is already taking fire for his stance on climate change. Cruz has said he does not believe there is proof humans are to blame for global warming.

"There's many of our leaders and our politicians who feel that they have to say climate change isn't real in order to be electable," said Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, visiting Salt Lake City to talk about faith and its role in climate action.

"I do not believe in climate change," Hayhoe said. She is quick to clarify. "There's over 26,500 independent indicators of a warming climate. So climate change isn't a belief, it's the explanation that fits the facts."

But there is another indicator that according to Hayhoe may play a bigger role in politics. Referring to a recent study she says shows the top issues that separate Democrats from Republicans.

"The number two issue, climate change. Number four, do you trust scientists," Hayhoe said.