Scientists Ask Museums to Nix Kochs

Thirty-seven prominent scientists put their names on an open letter urging the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and other institutions to cut ties with backers of the fossil-fuel industry—including billionaire David Koch, who has donated more than $70 million for various museum wings. “We are deeply concerned by the links between museums of science and natural history with those who profit from fossil fuels or fund lobby groups that misrepresent climate science,” the letter reads. Smithsonian spokesman Randall Kremer defended the donations, saying that two halls funded by Koch donations deal in great detail with the effects of climate change.