Prof. Philip Stott ponders the decline of the Independent newspaper... Well, I never like the loss of media and debating outlets, but I have to say that the demise, if that were ever to happen, of the Indie would bring fewer tears to my eyes than most. As a purveyor...
Climate Change Rhetoric Worse Than Previously Thought
In case you hadn't noticed, the IPCC released its AR4 Synthesis Report, Summary for Policymakers on Saturday. 'Today the world's scientists have spoken clearly and with one voice,' said United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The BBC reported the event on Friday...
Lucas and the Majority of Some Scientists
In a conversation about EU policy on restricting CO2 emissions from aircraft, on BBC Radio 4's Today program, this morning, Caroline Lucas, Green MEP for the Southeast region said Well, when you hear scientists say that we have about eight years left in order to...
Fat Swedish Men are Killing the Polar Bears…
Another gem from the New Scientist, caught our eye - though even they don't seem to be taking this one too seriously. The fact that women travel less than men, measured in person-kilometres per car, plane, boat and motorcycle - means that women cause considerably...
Battle of the Planet
The Institute of Ideas have put the video of The Science and Politics of Climate Change debate from this years Battle of Ideas festival online. We've given Mike Hulme of the Tyndall...
Friend (of Democracy) or FoE?
A single press release; double standards. Yesterday, in response to the UK's proposed climate change bill, Friends of the Earth UK director, Tony Juniper said: We’re delighted that the UK is set to become the first nation to introduce legislation to cut its...
Why Monbiot is so Miserable
In yesterdays Guardian, George Monbiot tells us that, A powerful novel's vision of a dystopian future shines a cold light on the dreadful consequences of our universal apathy Oh, God! What is this novel that tells us about the dark, horrid abyss of the human...
Emissions Policy Policy Omission
Hilary Benn, Environment Secretary, son of Tony, successor to David Miliband, announced on Monday that the target of 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 set by his predecessor may not be enough. This comes in the wake of the Tories trumping the 60% figure, with...
Climate science: truth you can wear on your hands
‘We are armed only with peer reviewed science’, declared the banner at the head of the Climate Camp march along the proposed route of the third runway at Heathrow in August. And in one sense they were - literally. The protesters were wearing gloves made from...
Battling On
The Institute of Ideas are putting online a series of essays called 'Battles in Print' to complement their yearly Battle of Ideas festival of debates. One of the essays was written by us. You can read it here. And here's a preview of Climate science: truth you can...