Date: Mon, Jul 26, 2010 at 12:34 PM
Subject: attn Denis Rancourt re climate change
To: Denis Rancourt via claude.cde@gmail.com
Dear Dr Rancourt,
I am saddened by your outspoken position on climate change.
I and many of my colleagues in COIN share your progressive politics . We have specialised in working with trades unions, human rights, refugee and asylum organisations. We also have a critical analyses of the environmentalists and see climate change as primarily a resource and social justice issue.
However I would like to point out:
Firstly that climate change is not just an environmentalist issue. To label is as such whilst conveniently denouncing environmentalists is slopping thinking. As you know very well, concerns about climate change are spread very widely across the political spectrum. You are no doubt also very well aware that the some of people keenest to champion your views- in particular Senator Inhofe and his former staffer Marc Morano, are deeply rooted in the far right of the Republican party.
Secondly I would urge you to talk to intelligent and independently minded scientists on this. I have many criticisms of the IPCC and there are lots of issues. However it is also clear that the evidence for the increase in greenhouse gas levels, the significant and continuing increase in temperatures is very sound, as is the link between the two.
Speaking personally I am no fool and make up my own mind on issues, but having worked in this issue for ten years now, having met many of the leading scientists and having fervently wished that it was not as serious as people made out (contrary to the ludicrous conspiracy theories most people working in this field would be very happy to be out of work) I have seen no reason yet for doubting that this is a godawful mess. We need every right thinking person on side working with us.
Yours
George
George Marshall,
Director of Projects,
Climate Outreach Information Network
george@coinet.org.uk
Direct Telephone ---
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Skype: climategeorge
Main COIN Office
01865 403 334
www.coinet.org.uk
The Climate Outreach and Information Network is a charitable trust formed in 2004 to directly engage the public about climate change, COIN inspires lasting changes in attitudes and behaviours through the use of innovative action learning methods and by assisting people to communicate their own messages to their peers. Charity registration number 1123315
