Should we implement the Kyoto protocol?

14 November 2001

Spiked and Natural Environment Research Council launch debate on global warming.

On Tuesday 20 November, the online publication spiked and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) are launching a debate on global warming.

To initiate the debate, Professor Bjørn Lomborg, author of the controversial book The Skeptical Environmentalist, will put the case against implementing the Kyoto protocol. Dr Mike Hulme, executive director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, will put the case for.

These statements, published on spiked, will be followed by responses from other experts in the field, including representatives of Friends of the Earth and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The debate may also be complemented by public discussions and offline events.

Editor of spiked Mick Hume said:

"One of spiked's aims is to address key questions facing society that we do not feel are being given sufficient critical attention. This debate on the Kyoto protocol is the first in a series of spiked-debates that we hope will influence thinking on scientific issues."

NERC Chief Executive Professor John Lawton commented:

"We want to widen the debate on issues which have an impact on everyone's lives. Science is only one part of the story when it comes to climate change or pollution. Will we have to change the way we live? How much will it cost our society? Will it affect our health? Can science help answer any of these broader questions? We want to hear what people think."

Future spiked-debates will deal with issues including genetic modification, renewable energy, water resources and environmental ethics.

Further information

Sandy Starr
spiked
Tel: 020 7269 9234

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Notes

1. Mick Hume and Professor John Lawton are available for comment or interview.

2. The spiked-debate on the Kyoto protocol will be published online.

Press release: 16/01

Should we implement the Kyoto protocol?

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