The issue focused attention on Donald Trump's skepticism about climate science and statements made during his presidential campaign about changing environmental regulations to encourage fossil fuels production. Trump called climate change a hoax perpetrated by China and Vladimir Putin and vowed to dismantle environmental protections put in place during former President Barack Obama's tenure.

Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Kaine defended climate science during his acceptance speech Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Kaine defended scientists who oppose fossil fuels production as scientists rather than skeptics who oppose technological advancements that produce cleaner