(CNN) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo downplayed climate change as a longstanding trend, suggesting that that modern societies could adapt to a changing environment, possibly with people moving to different places.

"The climate's been changing a long time. There's always changes that take place," Pompeo said during an interview with the Washington Times published Friday, when asked whether he thought climate change was man-made and how best to address it. He did not mention anything about man-made pollution in his remarks.

"Societies reorganize, we move to different places, we develop technology and innovation," he added. "I am convinced, I am convinced that we will do the things necessary as the climate changes."

When asked about a potential technological solution, Pompeo replied that "it's not just technological" and cited the Netherlands, which are partially below sea level , as an example of a successful response.

"We'll fix it by the way organize. There's lots of ways that one can address," he said. "If waters rise, I was just in the Netherlands, all below sea level, right? Living a wonderful, thriving economic situation. The world will be successful. I'm convinced. We will figure out responses to this that address these issues in important and fundamental ways."

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