Donald Trump has long aligned himself with climate change deniers, calling the issue a "hoax" and worse. But in Ireland, Trump International Golf Links has asked to build a sea wall to protect a waterfront resort against "global warming and its effects." So which is it?
A politician talking out of both sides of his mouth hardly qualifies as news, but Trump's recognition of the threat climate change poses to his business is noteworthy because it mirrors a growing consensus within the private sector.
Whether it's climate change or market volatility, hedging against risk is standard practice in the business world. No executive or board of directors can afford to ignore variables that carry potentially catastrophic consequences for their holdings. Whatever their personal political views, preparing for and mitigating climate change is simply smart business.
Trump recognizes that in Ireland. It would be nice if he'd acknowledge it in America, too.
Editorial on 05/26/2016