Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, dismissed the scientific consensus on man-made climate change as ‘garbage’ during an interview, despite warnings from experts about the rapid pace of climate change. Experts, including those from the Royal Society and various scientific organizations, refute his claims, emphasizing the significant human impact on the climate. Tice’s views come amid proposed policy changes regarding climate targets and renewable energy taxation.
Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, has publicly dismissed the scientific consensus regarding human impact on climate change, labeling it as ‘garbage.’ In an interview with Sky News correspondent Ali Fortescue, Tice contended, “There is no evidence that man-made CO2 is going to change climate change. Given that it has occurred for millions of years, it will continue for millions of years.” Despite Tice’s statements, he faced challenges regarding the findings of a UN report by 200 international scientists, which unequivocally attributed significant climate warming to human activities, including fossil fuel combustion.
Addressing the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which states that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land, Tice continued to refute the evidence. He asserted, “No, that is absolute garbage. The climate changed for millions of years before man-made CO2.” While it is true that climate has fluctuated throughout history, scientists warn about the unprecedented rate of current changes. According to NASA, the warming observed now is occurring at a speed unseen in the past 10,000 years.
Professor Sheila Rowan, vice president of the Royal Society, affirmed that human activities, particularly fossil fuel consumption, have led to significant alterations in Earth’s climate. Dr. Andrew Jarvis of Lancaster University denounced Tice’s statements as “categorically wrong.” Tice claimed that “a thousand” scientists share his skepticism, asserting they are not a minority. However, a comprehensive review of over 3,000 peer-reviewed studies indicated that the scientific consensus on human-caused climate change exceeds 99%.
Bob Ward, policy director at LSE University’s Grantham Research Institute, labeled Tice’s remarks as “pure misinformation,” emphasizing that no credible scientific organization either in the UK or globally supports his views on climate change. Professor Ed Hawkins of Reading University stressed that natural climate variations occur slowly over millennia, contrasting with the rapid warming registered over recent decades. The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported a 1.3C increase in global temperatures since the pre-industrial era, correlating with the rise in fossil fuel usage.
Last week, Mr. Tice proposed tax measures on the renewable energy sector and suggested abolishing the UK’s net zero target if Reform UK assumes power, attributing rising energy bills and Britain’s deindustrialization to current climate policies. Despite having only five MPs, Reform UK recently topped a poll, reflecting a narrow lead among voters. Additionally, research by More In Common indicates that approximately two-thirds of Reform UK voters prioritize government action on climate issues, although they express lesser enthusiasm for climate policies compared to other voter groups.
In summary, Richard Tice’s dismissal of the scientific consensus on climate change has been met with strong opposition from experts in the field. While he claims a substantial number of scientists support his views, the overwhelming majority of research contradicts his assertions. Tice’s recent policy proposals regarding renewable energy and climate targets further exemplify the ongoing debate over effective climate action in UK politics. The urgency of addressing climate change remains critical, as highlighted by the scientific community.
Original Source: www.star.radio
