Southland Councillor Criticizes Misinformation in Climate Debate

A Southland regional councillor has condemned both an advocacy group and a visiting physicist for spreading misinformation regarding climate change. The remarks came as Groundswell NZ seeks financial support to facilitate an upcoming tour of New Zealand by Dr. William Happer, an 86-year-old physicist known for his skepticism about human-induced climate change.

Dr. Happer has consistently argued that elevated levels of carbon dioxide are beneficial and that global warming is a naturally occurring phenomenon. In response to Groundswell’s efforts, Environment Southland (ES) deputy chairman Phil Morrison expressed concerns about the potential for “gaslighting” in Dr. Happer’s messaging. He stated, “The idea that we need not worry at all about greenhouse gases and the effect that they are imposing upon our climate… I think there is risk inherent in that.”

Dr. Happer previously served as the senior director of the U.S. National Security Council’s Office for Emerging Technologies in 2018, resigning the following year. Although Mr. Morrison clarified that he is not a climate scientist, he co-chaired the Regional Climate Change Working Group, which has endorsed climate action initiatives supported by local councils, including the Invercargill City Council and Gore District Council.

In a recent survey conducted by the working group, Mr. Morrison noted that about 13% of Southland participants expressed disbelief in climate change or opposed planning actions in response to it. Given the extensive information available on climate issues, he emphasized the importance of discerning credible sources.

Groundswell NZ’s campaign to bring Dr. Happer to New Zealand aligns with their goal of advocating for the country’s exit from the international climate action treaty, known as The Paris Agreement. The group has garnered support from political entities such as the Act Party and New Zealand First. However, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has dismissed this push, arguing that withdrawing from the agreement would adversely affect farmers. Additionally, the Federated Farmers organization has also opposed the call to leave the global pact.

Despite the ongoing debate, the New Zealand government recently reduced its methane emissions target for 2050, making it less ambitious. Mr. Morrison pointed out that advocacy groups differ in their credibility and integrity when engaging with local and central government. He expressed a strong reaction to misinformation in the climate discourse, asserting, “I think we need to call it disinformation and misinformation more often.”

As the conversation around climate change continues, the arrival of Dr. Happer in New Zealand is likely to further ignite discussions on the validity of climate science and the direction of national policy regarding climate action.