The Global Warming Debate Continues

The Terramar Organics Newsletter, April 2007

Welcome to this month's newsletter

The Hollywoodisation, alarmism and media hype surrounding the climate change debate, while raising environmental awareness, has begun to produce myths and misconceptions which are subsequently perceived as truths (akin to Chinese whispers or neighbourhood gossip but on a more dangerous scale). The growth of myths is particularly dangerous when considering a subject as serious as Global Warming.

Whether or not one agrees with what has now become the conventional theory on climate change (anthropogenic global warming), we can all surely agree that even if the opposing/alternative theories are apparently outrageous and unfounded, they should not be demonised. Sure, show them to be misleading where the evidence is flawed, but why on earth send death threats? The overriding imperative in all discussion is this: we must allow dialogue to continue by encouraging people to air their views and make their voices heard, by promoting open debate, and not to stifle or suppress either side of a debate.

Losing this fundamental value of a democratic and just society could put us in greater peril than ever predicted by the most hardcore Orwellians. Unfortunately, today we can see that there is a significant degree of pressure put on those who hold a different view or have a theory which contradicts the mainstream to conform or give up and hide in the corner in disgrace. Death threats have been reported against scientists who have spoken out against the conventional climate change theory and even the co-founder of Greenpeace, Patrick Moore, is acutely aware of the potentially dangerous territory the debate is now entering. "These days if you are sceptical about the litany around climate change you're suddenly like as if [sic] you are a holocaust denier." (The Great Global Warming Swindle, first broadcast on Channel 4 08/03/07, director Martin Durkin (Wagtv), 66th minute).

We would recommend the following two films: An Inconvenient Truth and the Great Global Warming Swindle. The former is basically a PowerPoint presentation by Al Gore (former Vice President of the United States) and the latter is a production by the controversial filmmaker Martin Durkin (infamous for being accused of editing his documentaries in such a way as to distort his interviewees' points of view). These films present two very differing perspectives on the global warming debate from very personal perspectives. Sadly, both lack the integrity which one would hope to find from an ex-Vice President and a Channel 4 filmmaker, but both are worthwhile viewing nevertheless and demonstrate the need for more research and debate on the ever complex topic that is global warming.

Further information on these films and other relevant links:

NB: Channel 4 is likely to host a debate on climate change in the next few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled and have your say!

White Gold
Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) in collaboration with the Pesticides Action Network (PAN) has produced the following video on the impacts of conventional cotton production: http://www.ejfoundation.org/page321.html

Product Updates
At last some Terramar Organics news!

Standards
At the Terramar Organics shop the certification applicable to each product is identified by the mini logo(s) under the product name. An explanation of each standard can be found at http://www.terramar.co.uk/about/standards/ which has now been revamped in light of slight changes in the recent months namely, the introduction of Soil Association certified cotton and Fair Wear standard clothing production.

And finally
Remember the article we linked to about the boy who sleeps in a tent? Well, not only can that be healthier than living in a house, but so can a bit of dirt! The BBC now report that "Dirt improves mood" by boosting the immune system...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6509781.stm

Best wishes
Peter and Tom

The Terramar Organics Team

07999 613 982 | http://www.terramar.co.uk
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