Global Warming: Are Humans to Blame?

A recent article in The Telegraph written by Matthew Holehouse discusses the opinions of Tim Yeo, the English chairman of the Commons Energy and Climate Change committee. According to the article, Tim Yeo said he accepts that the Earth’s temperature is increasing but said “natural phases” may be to blame (Holehouse). His opinion completely contrasts that of scientific consensus. A recent survey of 12,000 academic papers on climate change found that 97 percent agree that human activities are causing the planet to warm. Mr. Yeo is an environment ambassador under John Major is part of the Conservative party. However, he is a strong advocate to cut carbon emissions. 

On Tuesday, May 28th, he was asked whether it was important to take action to lessen the effects of climate change. He stated, “The first thing to say is it does not represent any threat to the survival of the planet. None at all. The planet has survived much bigger changes than any climate change that is happening now. Although I think the evidence that the climate is changing is now overwhelming, the causes are not absolutely clear. There could be natural causes, natural phases that are taking place” (Holehouse).

Mr. Yeo’s views have certainly changed. In 2009, he stated, “The dying gasps of the deniers will be put to bed. In five years time, no one will argue about a man-made contribution to climate change” (Holehouse). Whatever one’s opinion may be on the subject of Global Warming, there is no denying that it is becoming one of the world’s most discussed topics.

Work Cited

“Humans may not be to blame for global warming.” 2013. The Telegraph. 29 May 2013.

<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/climatechange/10086694/Tim-Yeo-humans-may-not-be-to-blame-for-global-warming.html>