Sunday 31 October, 12.30pm until 1.30pm, Lecture Theatre 1
In late 2009, a number of emails were leaked from the Climate Research Unit (CRU) at the University of East Anglia, which critics claimed demonstrated researchers at CRU had tried to suppress the work of others that contradicted their own. With CRU being a world-leading research centre and with much of its work and its scientists being involved with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this struck a blow to confidence in the IPCC just before crucial climate talks in Copenhagen. Some insist the CRU was exonerated by the Muir Russell inquiry, but doubts remain. With climate change and our potential responses to it having become a hotly contested political issue, and with many different groups having their own stakes and interests in the matter, the impartiality of the IPCC has now been called into question by both sides.
‘Climategate’ was quickly followed by more scandals – claims made in IPCC reports about the retreat of glaciers in the Himalayas and about increased tolls from natural disasters were all brought into question. Particular criticism fell on the use of ‘grey literature’ – quoting studies in the report that had not been peer-reviewed. Claims were also made that Rajendra Pachuari, the chair of the IPCC, had conflicting interests in his role as advisor on environment and energy to a number of organisations and companies. Some critics have accused the IPCC of exaggerating its projections for temperature and sea-level rises, while others have accused it of being too conservative in its estimates.
Has what was intended to be an impartial assessment of climate change and its impact become inextricably entangled in political arguments? Without strong political vision or moral authority to justify their policy decisions, has the IPCC become the politician’s only source of authority with which to act? Does ‘The Science’ end all debate? When science and politics become so deeply entwined, must we ask ourselves – can we trust the evidence?
Listen to session audio:
![]() | Tony Gilland associate fellow, Academy of Ideas |
![]() | Oliver Morton energy and environment editor, The Economist; author Eating the Sun: how plants power the planet |
![]() | Fred Pearce freelance journalist; environment consultant, New Scientist; author, The Climate Files: the battle for the truth about global warming and Peoplequake |
Chair: | |
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Craig Fairnington
associate fellow, Academy of Ideas; university finance and accommodation officer |
This scapegoating of Rajendra Pachauri will do little to truly fix the problems that the IPCC is facing. While his handling of criticism has been embarrassing at times, the public’s lack of trust in the panel cannot be solely, or even largely, placed at the door of one man.
Craig Fairnington, Independent, 10 October 2010We cannot make sane decisions on global warming if the ‘experts’ present us with evidence that is biased
Matt Ridley, The Times, 31 August 2010Review of IPCC calls for tighter term limits on top bosses and recommends changes to ensure science panel's credibility
Ed Pilkington, Guardian, 30 August 2010International scientists have injected fresh evidence into the debate over global warming, saying that climate change is “undeniable” and shows clear signs of “human fingerprints” in the first major piece of research since the “Climategate” controversy.
Fiona Harvey, Financial Times, 28 July 2010The UEA's climate science chief has been cleared: he was provoked beyond endurance. It was unfair to call for his resignation.
George Monbiot, Guardian, 7 July 2010Many climate researchers worry that scepticism about global warming is on the rise. Jeff Tollefson investigates the basis for that concern and what scientists are doing about it.
Jeff Tollefson, Nature, 1 July 2010Before we embark on drastic plans to combat climate change, we must be sure of the facts
Roddy Campbell, Prospect, 24 February 2010Eco-imperialism?
"In an ever shrinking middle ground, the Battle of Ideas is more important than ever, if we're to reinvigorate politics and challenge the status quo."
Graham Smith, campaign manager, Republic