Gov. Jerry Brown blasts Donald Trump's climate change views

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) -- California Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday blasted President-Elect Donald Trump's views on climate change just a few weeks before the Republican will take the oath of office.

Speaking to a meeting of the American Geophysical Union convention at Moscone Convention Center, Brown received several standing ovations during his brief remarks to thousands of climate and environmental scientists.

Brown's remarks amounted to a no-holds barred challenge to the incoming Trump Administration on climate change.

"One never knows anymore what the facts are, living in the post-fact world," Brown said to laughter. "We know the data. We know what's happening in the world, despite the deniers, climate is changing. The temperatures are rising. The oceans are becoming more acidified. Habitats are under stress."

Brown sounded like a man who still has sights on the White House when he said, "The future of the world is not just depending on you, it's depending on the elected officials."

Brown said the new administration is increasingly filled with people who keep denying that climate change is real despite overwhelming scientific proof.

"Reduce to absurdity. And when you do that, everyone sees the absurd path you're on. About the time we get there, we're ready to ride the backlash back to sanity, sustainability and truth."

Brown said California will follow its own fact- and science-based path, setting up a possible collision with the Trump White House in 2017 and beyond.

"We have the laws. Wed have the tools of enforcement and we have the political will," he said. "And, we will set the stage. We'll set the example. And, whatever Washington thinks they're doing, California is the future."

The governor also had words for the incoming Energy Secretary, pro-oil former Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

"We've got more sun that you have oil and we're gonna use it," Brown said.

Though Hilary Clinton won California, 4 million of the state's residents voted for Trump and may disagree with Brown.

As to reports that the new administration might turn off climate monitoring satellites, Bown said: "If Trump turns off the satellites, California will launch its own damn satellites."

By KTVU reporter Tom Vacar.