EPA accused of urging staff to downplay climate change after memo leaks

Scientists say an internal Environmental Protection Agency document encourages the use of misleading statements about scientific certainty

Scientists have accused the US Environmental Protection Agency of distributing misleading statements about climate change, following the leaking of an internal email advising agency staff to downplay the certainty of the science.

The email, issued by the EPA's Office of Public Affairs (OPA) and sent out to communications directors and regional public affairs directors, was forwarded to others and shared throughout the agency. The email acknowledges that communities face "challenges" in dealing with the consequences of climate change.