Climate Emergency is not a conspiracy

MR Curnow’s letter of 3rd February questions the scientific consensus and now widely held belief that action is needed to tackle climate change. He asks readers to think for themselves but I believe he wants us to accept his arguments!

If you look on the internet it is possible to find so-called evidence that contradicts the advice from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) that “the science now shows with 95% certainty that human activity is the dominant cause of observed warming since the mid-20th century.”

I would suggest that people should research for themselves rather than just think for themselves as climate science is complex. Some evidence presented by climate deniers can appear convincing but a little more searching will show they have been answered. I accept that you cannot take public opinion as proof, but I am pleased that the public are being persuaded and educated as we can all play a part.

But for those left confused, consider this – almost every government in the world has accepted the output of the IPCC, despite having access to people who have devoted their lives to climate science.

Do I think Mr Curnow is in a better position to advise me on these complex issues than the

IPCC’s international panel of experts that has analysed a broad body of science? No, I do not, especially when the IPCC has provided evidence that has convinced governments of every political persuasion and almost every nation.

Getting agreement from 189 countries to take challenging action needs a solid scientific foundation and is a remarkable achievement that has taken decades. Any other conclusion requires a conspiracy without motive. It is easy to see the motives of climate deniers as change is challenging and the evidence they use is often funded by those with commercial interests in fossil fuels. Michael Carter Exeter, Devon