Roundtable shirks science, embraces aristocrat

Written By: - Date published: 4:26 pm, November 15th, 2007 - 21 comments
Categories: climate change - Tags:

brtguest.jpgThe Business Roundtable has invited Nigel Lawson, British Chancellor of the Exchequer under Thatcher, to speak to them on climate change. Inevitably, Lawson is a climate change denier. His message is that climate change is a replacement for communism and mainstream religion. He says people who are concerned about climate change are ‘eco-fundamentalists’ and ‘climate alarmists’ who want to destroy capitalism and should be ignored.

We shouldn’t still have to do this, but I’ll lay it down once more for Nigel’s sake: There is no scientific debate over whether climate change is real. The theory has been solid for 50 years, and every week studies come out showing that climate change is impacting the world now. Every prediction of climate change’s impact has turned out to be overly conservative. Effects, like the melting of the Arctic, that were projected to happen in a century, are happening now. Changes that scientists thought would take decades are taking years. The most respected scientific body in the world, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which just won the Nobel prize, has acknowledged that its own dire forecasts are seriously underestimating the real world impacts of climate change. Climate change will wreak havoc on our economies and societies in the decades to come, and we must act now to even begin to mitigate its impact. This is serious stuff.

And what is the Business Roundtable’s reaction? To bury its head: invite out an old man, with no scientific pedigree, to tell them what they want to hear.

It’s just bizarre behaviour from an organisation that is becoming increasingly irrelevant by the day. If the Roundtable want to learn more about climate change then they’d be best to have a chat with the IPCC, but then I guess they’d rather listen to some silly old aristocrat than face the facts and take some personal responsibility for their actions.

Do you think Nigel Lawson’s the kind of person Nick Smith might have been talking about a couple of months back when he promised a National government would keep an open mind on climate change deniers?

21 comments on “Roundtable shirks science, embraces aristocrat ”

  1. Sam Dixon 1

    If I headed a major business I would be pissed off with the roundtable.

    Climate change is a huge risk for businesses and here’s the business roundtable still deluding themsevles rather than acting positively in their members’ interests by promoting policies to substantial reduce emissions.

  2. Robert owen 2

    AHHHh Nigel Lawson
    I thought he was dead He was one of the reasons I came here twenty odd years ago

  3. the sprout 3

    well he’ll make an excellent guest of the National Party, expose them to all sorts of ridicule.
    i wonder which genius decided to invite him?

  4. Spam 4

    Well, I’m not surprised. You socialists only ever want to hear one side of an argument.

  5. Daveo 5

    You’re right Spam – when are we going to start teaching creationism in schools? Or the teachings of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster? (www.venganza.org)

    And while we’re speaking of hearing both sides of the argument, you won’t believe this. I was at an astronomy conference recently and they refused to invite my mate who thinks the moon’s made out of blue cheese. Bloody socialists – only ever want to hear one side of an argument.

  6. Robinsod 6

    Tell me about it Daveo – I went to the same conference and they wouldn’t table my astrology paper! One-eyed bastards!

  7. the sprout 7

    devil worshippers probably. burn their evil books

  8. gobsmacked 8

    Blimey, so John Key’s an “eco-fundamentalist”, putting a spanner in the works of capitalism? Remember Al Gore’s visit to NZ last year? A fan speaks …

    ***

    Mr Key said he went to Mr Gore’s presentation because of his assertion that there would be significant economic ramifications if climate change was ignored.
    “There’s no doubt climate change is going [to] become a much more political issue – the public can see the evidence around them,” Mr Key told NZPA.
    “I don’t think environmental issues and climate change is left-wing, I think it very much should be on the right-wing agenda.” (NZPA)

    “I firmly believe in climate change, I always have.” – Radio New Zealand, Nine to Noon, 28 Nov 2006

    Of course, he’s also said the opposite, depending on the day of the week, but hey, that’s just John being nice and not wanting anyone to feel left out.

  9. Spam 9

    I was at an astronomy conference recently and they refused to invite my mate who thinks the moon’s made out of blue cheese.

    I went to the same conference and they wouldn’t table my astrology paper!

    Were either of those peer-reviewed, published papers?

    What are you guys so afraid of in the global warming debate that moves you to label anyone who doesn’t sign-up to the mantra as ‘deniers’?

  10. Robinsod 10

    Were either of those peer-reviewed, published papers?

    Mine was.

  11. Spam 11

    Then you should have no problem getting it published / presented at an astrology conference. Its really not their fault that you didn’t know the difference between astrology & astronomy.

  12. Robinsod 12

    Spam – that was a joke (kinda like climate change denial).

  13. the sprout 13

    i think spma may be a graduate of the John Key Academy of Humourlessness

  14. Nih 14

    THAT’S NOT FUNNY SPROUT.

  15. Santa Claws 15

    Tane, it is easy to see that you are a unionist and future politician, and not a scientist (or at least one that is not sucking up climate change funding like a leech)

    Frankly, I’m somewhat amazed that a union would be uncritically supporting changes which are sure to cost its members in many ways, leading to a lower quality of life overall, and transferring bulk dollars into dodgy carbon trading schemes.

  16. Robinsod 16

    But DPF claws if we don’t stop climate change your home will melt away and then where would you post your silly attempts at cyberbullying and wedge politics from? come to think of it…

  17. toms 17

    His daughter still a reasonable bit of totty though.

  18. AncientGeek 18

    I did a science degree in earth sciences. It was clear when I did that degree in the late 70’s that climate change was probably going to affect the climate due to the greenhouse effects. It is a simple matter of basic physics. That hasn’t been in question for a long time. At that time it wasn’t possible to do any estimates because there wasn’t solid data.

    What was in question at that time was how much the climate would buffer the effects. In other words when it would occur, and how fast it would proceed. Since then the prudent scientific estimates (ie how sure are we) as expressed by the IPCC have only moved in one direction as the evidence has been found. It is going to be sooner and faster than previously expected.

    My current working estimate is that we’re likely to see some major effects within my remaining lifetime. I think it is prudent for all organizations to start planning on how it affects their operations and members.

    The business roundtable has had the same problem for 30 years – focus on the near term, and how to offload debt on to the following generations.

  19. r0b 19

    Welcome AncientGeek. You and I have a similar background. And thanks for your clear and compelling contribution. I agree, planning for a very different future should begin now. I sometimes wonder if those numbers of people heading off to Australia every month have ever pondered the likely future of the West Island.

  20. PhilBest 20

    Is Al Gore scientifically qualified? Is Vincent Gray not? How come the scientific debate needs such rigorous censoring from (typically lefty) bureaucracy and media? How come Vincent Gray can’t even get a letter to the editor published in NZ? He’s one of the “2500 expert reviewers” after all. Or is it a dirty secret that the 2500 expert reviewers are far from unanimous about the science, even today?

    I know, I know, you’ll quote statistics at me that suit YOUR point of view. I haven’t got time to quote all the opposing ones. But there is one ell of a suspicious smell surrounding any issue that has to be CENSORED as heavily as this one has to be.

    Fortunately, thanks to the Net, anyone in NZ with half a brain can find out the truth for themselves. ( Its only media overseas that actually prints Vincent Gray’s opinions). And don’t give me that “Vincent Gray is only one lonely contrarian” rot. There’s HUNDREDS at LEAST of scientifically qualified people like him who are concerned at the political manipulation of their science. My favourite site: Senator James Inhofe. Look it up, EVERYBODY.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-28T04:34:38+00:00