Tipsheet

Beto: Actually, We Only Have 10 Years Left If Climate Change Isn't Addressed

If we are to believe former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, civilization only has 10 years left if we don’t address climate change. 

The Texas Democrat made the comment in an interview with MSNBC on Monday while discussing the first major policy proposal of his candidacy for president—a climate change measure that aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (after we’ll all be dead) that would cost $5 trillion in investments in infrastructure, communities and innovation over 10 years. 

Asked by host Chris Hayes whether he believes he’d have to declare himself in opposition to the oil and gas industry, O’Rourke said yes. 

" We know that certain oil and gas corporations have been fighting public policy on this issue, have been hiding their own science and research at the expense of our climate and human life,” he responded. “So wherever those two things come in contrast or in opposition, I’m always going to choose the people of this country. Having said that, I want to make sure that those who work in the oil and gas industry, those who work in the fossil fuel industry are brought along as partners to make sure we make this transition in the ten years we have left to us as the scientists tell us to make the kind of bold change that we need.”

Hayes is seen nodding in affirmation of his dire prediction. 

O’Rourke continued: “We cannot afford to alienate a significant part of this country, and we cannot do this by half measure or by only half of us. It can't be Democrats versus Republicans, big cities versus small towns. We have a shared interest in a cleaner future for this country. So I’m going to work with, listen to everyone anytime, anywhere to make sure we advance this agenda and get to zero net, net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050."

Twitter users were quick to call Beto out over his doomsday prediction.