Year: 2012

Mr. Gore: Vested interests permeate the climate debate, on both sides

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore tells us that “misinformation” about climate change (in other words, science that counters what he says) is fueled by those with vested interests. While there are obviously many people and companies who would benefit from an end to the climate scare, here is a list of some of the influential parties who have strong vested interests in maintaining the global warming alarm.

Google Fibre Begins Service in Kansas City

Google's fibre network in Kansas City will turn on its first customers today. http://www.fiercecable.com/story/google-fiber-schedules-first-1-gbps-installations-kansas-city/2012-11-13?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal Meanwhile the cable industry has been working...

New Zealand Out Of Kyoto II

I'm currently in New Zealand for a few weeks and while nothing much seems to have changed while I've been away, one interesting announcement has been made this week which hasn't got as much attention as I would have expected. New Zealand have announced they won't be...

Featured News

Are mandatory bicycle helmet laws a public health problem?

Mandatory helmet laws reduce bicycle ridership. Some people don’t want to wear helmets because they don’t like the way they look, and others don’t want to worry about dragging around a helmet. Given the health benefits of cycling, mandatory helmet laws that reduce ridership can only be considered successful if the lost health benefits come along with a sizable reduction in bicycle related injuries. They don’t.

Quebec, Shale Gas and Pandora’s Box

There were some in Quebec who were thrilled last week when the new Parti Québécois government suggested it would ban the development of the province’s shale gas resources. While this seems to be just another story of a province deciding for or against a development opportunity, a shale gas ban might have larger consequences down the road.

The “bacon shortage” story is journalism at its shoddiest

Global bacon shortage ‘unavoidable.’ So read the headline on CBC’s website for one of the most poorly reported stories in recent memory. The actual story is that poor corn yields this year will push up feed prices, which will translate into higher costs for hog producers. This leaves the industry two options: produce less, or raise prices. While either scenario will lead to a decline in bacon consumption, neither will lead to a “shortage.”

Excited new climate report cannot be taken seriously

For example, while some scientists do indeed give the sort of confident, absolute statements included in the Monitor report, some scientists say the exact opposite, namely that we are headed for far more dangerous global cooling no matter what humanity does. Many others simply say that we do not know the future of global climate and that we cannot make meaningful forecasts until there are considerable advances in the basic science.