Is it a crime to doubt global warming?
Last updated at 21:36 04 April 2008
To deny, or even question, the notion that we are on the brink of climate change catastrophe is to commit heresy against this new religion of global warming.
It is an article of faith that the burning of fossil fuels and destruction of the rainforests have led to an inexorable rise in global temperatures that, without drastic action, will result in Armageddon.
To argue against this is to invite demonisation from the scientists, environmentalists and, increasingly, mainstream politicians who subscribe to the new religion of eco-fundamentalism.
But in our Saturday essay, the distinguished former Tory Chancellor Lord Lawson does just that.
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Does this image of ice melting represent global warming?
In a courageous piece, which everyone should read, he challenges the orthodoxy and uncovers some inconvenient truths.
For example, though world temperatures rose by about half a degree Celsius in the last quarter of the 20th century, it has not moved in the first seven years of the 21st.
And even if temperatures do rise by up to three degrees, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concedes that the consequences would not be all bad.
World food production would increase significantly and cold-related mortality would fall by 20,000 in this country alone.
Let us be clear: the Mail totally supports sensible reduction of emissions and doing all we can to cut pollution, particularly unnecessary pollution like plastic bags.
But cutting carbon emissions in this country by up to 80 per cent over the next 40 years will involve a fundamental restructuring of our economy, and almost unimaginable rises in energy costs - raising huge questions about our future wellbeing.
The UK accounts for just 2 per cent of global emissions. If China, the U.S., Russia and India do not sign up to the carbon reduction strategy, we could be risking our economy to no purpose.
So yes, let's step up clean technology research but let's also consider all options.
For what is most worrying is the way the high priests of global warming suppress open debate on this subject.
Centuries ago, those who denied the earth was flat were tortured. In recent times, anyone who questioned the now-discredited theory of multiculturalism, such as the brave Bradford headmaster Ray Honeyford, was demonised.
Again, those who dared argue against mass immigration into Britain were also denigrated. Yet this week a distinguished Lords' committee decided that such migration did not benefit this country.
Global warming is one of the great issues of our time. It should be debated fully and not subject to the censure of unreason.
A cosy arrangement
No wonder MPs tried so hard to conceal the expenses they claim from the public purse!
Figures obtained under Freedom of Information show that not only do we pay mortgages on their second homes up to a staggering £23,000 a year but also for John Prescott's groceries, Gordon Brown's satellite television, Tony Blair's TV licence and Michael Howard's council tax.
Do they pay for anything themselves? While the rest of us wait apprehensively for the gathering economic storm to break, isn't it comforting to know that those who govern us are so warmly insulated?
Bad faith
It was hard not to feel queasy listening to Tony Blair as he gushed religious piety at Westminster cathedral.
Can this be the same man whose governance was marked by mendacity and who took us to war on the back of a bare-faced lie?
Perhaps he should go back to his Bible and study the ninth Commandment: "Thou shalt not bear false witness."
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