Does Bill Nye have a science degree? The Science Guy trends on X as he calls for banning fossil fuels following Texas floods

Bill Nye, also known as “The Science Guy,” has caused controversy on the internet following his push to ban all fossil fuels in the wake of deadly floods in Texas. 

On CNN’s Inside Politics this week, Nye blamed climate change for the magnitude of the devastation caused by the flash floods. His public remarks have reignited discussions about his scientific qualifications as social media users jump into the fray.

Bill Nye holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science, specifically Mechanical Engineering, from Cornell University, where he was an understudy of the notable astronomer Carl Sagan.

According to Startalk Media, after receiving his degree, Nye worked as an engineer at Boeing, where he helped design hydraulic pressure resonance suppressors that are still utilized in Boeing 747 planes to this day. He also served on the staff of Sundstrand Data Control (now Honeywell), providing technical assistance to the U.S. Department of Justice.

 

 

 

 

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Nye’s career changed course in the 1990s, when he combined his interest in entertainment, science, and amusement to make “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” an Emmy-winning educational TV show that introduced scientific concepts to millions of children.

He has since written books, hosted other scientific shows, including Bill Nye Saves the World on Netflix, and is now the CEO of The Planetary Society, a non-profit organization that promotes space exploration.

A look into Bill Nye's recent claims related to fossil fuels and the Texas floods

Speaking during his recent appearance on CNN, Nye stated that fossil fuels are the leading cause of climate change, which in turn, is affecting the climate and weather of the United States.

"So, ‘What are we going to do about it?’ is the ancient question. And it would be to stop burning fossil fuels. When you’re in a hole, stop digging, and so on," Bill Nye said

Such disasters were “practically prophesied” by climate scientists for decades, he added. Bill Nye cited government inaction and the lobbying efforts of the fossil fuel industry as contributing to the problem.

Bill Nye is 💯% correct when he said the way is to end disasters like the Texas floods is stopping burning fossil fuels....pic.twitter.com/X6v8nDmCyG

— Neo Jane (@Neo_Jane8) July 9, 2025

"This is exactly what was predicted. It‘s very difficult to tie any one weather event to climate change. However, the warm weather events are actually easier to tie to climate change." He added.

The floods that killed more than 100 people in Texas, including children at a girls’ summer camp, have been called one of the state’s deadliest weather disasters.

According to the New York Post, the National Weather Service had issued warnings. Still, critics of President Donald Trump said that the warnings were not heeded because of the budget and staffing cuts during his administration.

Similar concerns were echoed by Bill Nye, who warned that the government must start taking climate change seriously and change course on policies that prioritize the production of fossil fuels.