There needs to be room for debate in the climate discussion

By Lethbridge Herald on September 14, 2022.

Editor:

There appears to be among some of us a tendency towards domination and control. It is evident in today’s society where self-appointed “correct thinkers” attempt to dominate the thoughts and opinions of their peers.

Recently, Lethbridge citizens had a close encounter with this type of domination by those who are confident that the planet is in great peril from a looming “climate crisis.”

Moreover, they know what must be done to avert it.

A tweet by mayor Hyggen referring to a “Daily Sceptic” article on climate change that he found “interesting” was enough to arouse a determined attempt to shut down that “interesting” thought. https://dailysceptic.org/2022/08/18/1200-scientists-and-professionals-declare-there-is-no-climate-emergency/

Why would that be? 

What terrible heresy was “interesting,” a word which means “that which occupies the mind, holding the attention or curiosity.” (Webster’s). What upset the “correct thinkers?”

It was a document, signed by 1,200 scientists and professionals, including 63 Canadians, led by the Norwegian physics Nobel Prize laureate Professor Ivar Giaever, entitled “World Climate Declaration: There is no climate emergency.” I certainly found that interesting!  (clintel.org/world/climate/declaration)

When 1,200 scientists and professionals representing many countries and disciplines are courageous enough to risk their reputations, jobs and friendships by signing a document “There is no climate emergency” it clearly demonstrates, at the very least, that the science is not settled. Interesting!

Nor is this group of 1,200 alone. Experts such as Steven E. Koonin, the top science advisor to the Obama administration, who authored “UNSETTLED – what climate science tells us, what it doesn’t, and why it matters,” advises caution and more research.

 It matters because policies such as “Net Zero” by 2050 are based upon the belief that “the science is settled.”

Such beliefs lead to destructive policies as indicated by a recent headline in the Wall Street Journal; “Net Zero Policies Bankrupt Britain”. One could replace “Britain” with “Germany”, “Europe” or any other advanced western nation and still be correct.

Mayor Hyggen is not alone in his “interest.” The attempt to denigrate and smear him as a “denier” was met with a spirited, youtube defense by the “Friends of Science Society”. They pointed out, among other things, that the media have taken sides and contrary to their “Principles for Ethical Journalism” they have become activists rather than balanced reporters. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwSRWSeZEDw

Surely recent local and international events open the door for questioning and civilized debate about climate and climate policies.

Can we have such a debate? Or are we still at the level of  “I’m right – you do what you are told!”

Shaun Ward    

Lethbridge