The leader of the island’s Green Party has questioned the Environment Minister’s suitability for his role.

Geoffrey Boot MHK was interviewed by local democracy reporter Ewan Gawne last week and surprised many observers by suggesting that climate change ’may’ happen in the future.

His view seemed to contradict that of the more than 90% of scientists who say that man-made climate change is a certainty.

Speaking on Manx Radio, Green Party leader Andrew Newton said: ’He [Mr Boot] speaks like a man who hasn’t engaged with any of the arguments and the science.

’I struggle to see how he can maintain his position.’

Mr Newton said he wanted politicians in the island to lead on climate change issues.

He also pointed to the exploration for gas and oil off Maughold Head.

’What kind of leadership does that display from our politicians when we have the science that should guide our politicians coming out in support of one narrative, which is that climate change is happening now and if we don’t stop it it’s going to dramatically impact in the next decade, let alone the next three decades.’

After green campaigners lambasted Mr Boot’s comments, the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture sent out a press release listing a number of environmental initiatives.

Mr Boot said: ’We are exploring how we will reduce emissions to around zero for transport heating and electricity generation by 2050.’