31,000 scientists said to oppose warming theory

WASHINGTON (ICIS news)--A US group that has challenged global warming theories said on Monday that 31,000 scientists have signed its petition urging Congress to not impose mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the petition was dismissed by private environmental officials who charged that some of the petition’s signatures are either false names or lack scientific standing.

The Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine (OISM) said it has received signed petition cards from more than 31,000 US holders of scientific degrees who agree that “There is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of carbon dioxide, methane or other greenhouse gases is causing or will in the foreseeable future cause catastrophic heating of the Earth’s atmosphere and disruption of Earth’s climate”.

The petition is the result of mailings by the institute in partnership with former National Academy of Sciences president Frederick Seitz who in a cover letter argues that the 1997 Kyoto climate treaty is based on flawed concepts.

“Research data on climate change do not show that human use of hydrocarbons is harmful,” Seitz said.

He also said that limits on emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would have severe negative effects on developed nations and those emerging economies “that are attempting to lift from poverty and provide opportunities to over 4bn people”.

The petition was challenged by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) on Monday, with fund spokesman Dan Cronin charging that some of the petition signatures are false or lack scientific standing.

“The overwhelming consensus is that global warming is happening and that it is man-made and it is something we need to take action to remedy,” Cronin said. He noted that some major US corporations and the administration of President George Bush support the global warming theory and the need to take remedial action.

The US Senate is expected next month to debate a major climate change bill that would impose mandatory limits on industrial and transportation emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The legislation is opposed by many in the US chemicals industry and the broader manufacturing sector.

($1 = €.65)

To discuss issues facing the chemical industry go to ICIS connect

By: Joe Kamalick
+1 713 525 2653