Did Sarah Palin say she is “just as much a scientist” as Bill Nye?

Rumours are spreading online that claim ex-vice presidential candidate and former governor of Alaska Sarah Palin has claimed that she is “as much a scientist” as Bill Nye during a recent speech.

In this article, we take a look at [only] two claims –

1. Did Sarah Palin really say that?
2. If she did, is it true?

Did Sarah Palin really say that?

While the headline may sound like one of those absurd satirical just-on-the-cusp-of-believability headlines we’re forever debunking, in this case, it is actually true.

Palin made the remarks during a speech a Capitol Hill premier of “Climate Hustle”, a film produced with the aim of challenging the scientific consensus that climate change on planet Earth is caused by man-made activities.

In her speech, she challenges Bill Nye’s credentials, claiming that she was “just as much a scientist” as Nye was, as well as further imploring parents to doubt climate change and don’t “just believe what Bill Nye the Science Guy is trying to tell them.”

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Is it true?

Nye has a bachelor’s of science degree in engineering from the University of Cornell. Engineering is generally considered a science related qualification since it is generally considered a practical application of science.

From Oxford Dictionary…

The branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures.

Merriam-Webster

A person who has scientific training and who designs and builds complicated products, machines, systems, or structures.”

While Nye spends most of his time as a science advocate and TV presenter, he has made a number of scientific accomplishments. He has worked with NASA, has helped with designs for equipment to clean up oil spills, as well as designs for 747 planes when working for Boeing. He is the CEO of The Planetary Society and has designed and filed patents for a number of engineering inventions.

Palin has no science related qualifications, nor has held any science related positions. She has a communications-journalism degree from the University of Idaho, and has held a number of political positions including governor of Alaska and the unsuccessful vice-presidential candidate when John McCain lost to Barack Obama in 2008.

To conclude, by any standard, Bill Nye is more of a scientist than Sarah Palin.