April 21, 2008

CFACT Europe Co-hosts Conference on Climate Change in Berlin

Event marks second gathering of climate skeptics in a year

On 17 April, an audience of 80 assembled in the Parliament of the State of Berlin, Germany, to listen to latest findings of climate science. Under the patronage of the FDP-group, supported by the European Climate and Energy Institute and CFACT Europe, a range of top speakers presented their views on the issue. Great expectations had been linked to the event, and some political pressure had been put on the organizers.

Among the speakers were Prof. Dr. Horst Malberg (former head of the Institute for Meteorology of the Free University of Berlin), Dr. Hans Labohm (Economist, IPCC Reviewer, CFACT Europe advisor, Den Haag/The Netherlands), Dr. Dietmar Ufer (energy expert, Leipzig/Germany), Thomas Heinzow (sociologist, economist, meteorologist, Hamburg University. The panelists were introduced by Ms. Mieke Senftleben MdA, coordinator for education, family and religious organizations of the liberal (FDP) group in the Parliament of Berlin. Closing words came from Dr. Holger Thuss of CFACT Europe on behalf of the co-organizers.

Many of the issues presented and discussed have been largely ignored by German and EU policy makers and often not reported in the mainstream media. Hence, many in the audience were surprised and amazed about what the panelists had to say: that the earth’s average temperature is probably cooling or holding steady, that previous warming is most likely the result of a "recovery" from the Little Ice Age, that offshore wind turbines are costly and present technological difficulties, that alternative energy threatens grid stability, and that the end of fossil fuels is most likely years away.

Hans Labohm, in particular, warned of political "fearmongering" concerning climate change, nuclear power and the sudden end of natural resources. Many politicians, he warned, are attempting to use these issues to promote policies which are intrusive into the private lives of ordinary citizens. A second Kyoto agreement would likely lead to increased fuel prices and much economic hardship on the part of consumers.

The presentations were followed by a lively discussion, in which the panelists enjoyed much agreement and support. The evening, according to conference organizers, "was a great success." CFACT Europe’s Dr. Thuss, on behalf of the organizers, finished his remarks by saying "Germany needs many more discussions like this, it is in the interest of our citizens to be fully informed."