Councillor Criticizes Misinformation in Support of Climate Skeptic Tour

A regional councillor in Southland has raised concerns over the potential spread of misinformation surrounding an upcoming tour by climate change skeptic Dr. William Happer. The advocacy group Groundswell NZ is seeking financial support for the 86-year-old physicist’s visit, during which he plans to challenge the consensus on human-caused climate change.

The deputy chairman of Environment Southland, Phil Morrison, accused both Dr. Happer and the advocacy group of “gaslighting,” suggesting that their messaging could mislead the public about the risks of greenhouse gases. “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,” Morrison stated.

Dr. Happer, who served as senior director of the U.S. National Security Council’s office for emerging technologies from 2018 until his resignation in 2019, argues that increased levels of carbon dioxide are beneficial and that global warming is a naturally occurring phenomenon. Despite his prominent role in American climate policy discussions, he has faced significant criticism from the scientific community.

Morrison, who previously co-chaired the Regional Climate Change Working Group, highlighted the importance of discerning credible information in light of a recent survey suggesting that 13% of Southland participants do not believe in climate change or the need for action. He emphasized the responsibility of advocacy groups to engage honestly with both local and central government, stating that not all stakeholders adhere to a “clean game” in the advocacy space.

Groundswell NZ’s Campaign and Political Response

Bringing Dr. Happer to New Zealand is part of Groundswell’s broader campaign advocating for the country to withdraw from the international climate action treaty, The Paris Agreement. The group has identified political support from parties such as the Act Party and New Zealand First. However, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has rejected these calls, asserting that exiting the agreement would harm farmers and the agricultural sector.

The debate surrounding climate action remains contentious in New Zealand. Federated Farmers have also expressed their opposition to leaving the global climate pact. In a recent move, the government reduced its target for animal-produced methane emissions by 2050, indicating a shift toward less ambitious climate goals.

Morrison remains concerned about the implications of promoting such divisive viewpoints. “I have a real reaction to disinformation… and I think we need to call it disinformation and misinformation more often,” he remarked, stressing the need for integrity in public discourse on climate issues.

The upcoming tour by Dr. Happer is set against a backdrop of intense debate regarding climate change and its effects, highlighting the ongoing struggle between differing perspectives on environmental policy and response.