The IPCC: Can we trust the evidence?

The accusations in late 2009 that the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia had been manipulating or hiding data struck a blow to confidence in the IPCC, with whom the CRU is closely associated. While the researchers were largely absolved, more scandals followed from ‘Climategate’ – IPCC claims about the retreat of glaciers and increased tolls from natural disasters were also questioned. When science and politics become so deeply entwined, can we trust the evidence? Speakers include Tony Gilland, science and society director, Institute of Ideas; director, Debating Matters Competition; Oliver Morton, energy and environment editor, The Economist; author Eating the Sun: how plants power the planet, and Fred Pearce, freelance journalist; environment consultant, New Scientist; author, The Climate Files: the battle for the truth about global warming and Peoplequake. This debate was filmed at the Battle of Ideas at the end of 2010.