Dr. Ivar Giaever (AP)
A Nobel Prize-winning scientist who supported President Barack Obama has said that he does not believe global warming is a problem, and has openly criticized the president for his position on the issue.
"I would say that basically global warming is a non-problem," Dr. Ivar Giaever announced during a speech at the 65th Nobel Laureate Conference in Lindau, Germany, last week, according to Climate Depot.
Quoting Obama's warning that "no challenge poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change," Giaever said it was a "ridiculous statement."
"I say this to Obama: Excuse me, Mr. President, but you're wrong. Dead wrong," he said, according to Climate Depot.
"Obama said last year that 2014 is [the] hottest year ever. But it's not true. It's not the hottest."
Giaever, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics in 1973, questioned the theory behind fears about rising carbon dioxide levels and said that the theory is not backed by evidence.
"Global warming really has become a new religion. Because you cannot discuss it. It's not proper. It is like the Catholic Church."
Giaever was one of more than 100 co-signers in a letter to the president in March 2009 that was critical of his stance on global warming, saying, "We the undersigned scientists, maintain that the case for alarm regarding climate change is grossly overstated."
