SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY SYSTEM
SCIENTIFIC ADVICE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
As part of its ongoing inquiry into the Scientific Advisory System, the
Science and Technology Committee has agreed to conduct a case study
examining the processes and structures the Government uses to obtain and
consider scientific advice on climate change. The following terms of
reference have been agreed:
"The examination will take as given, the evidence that there is an upward
trend in the temperature of the earth and that carbon dioxide concentrations
in the atmosphere are and have been increasing.
The aim of the case study is to identify:
(A) the extent to which the Government has been advised of potential
alternative explanations, how these alternatives have been assessed and what
conclusions have been drawn;
(B) what critical appraisal there has been of models predicting climate
change, increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide, and other potential
drivers; and
(C) the degree of Government agreement with scientists in relevant
specialisations regarding accepted explanations of climate change."
The Committee welcomes submissions from interested organisations and
individuals on these issues. Written evidence should be submitted by 31
January 2000 at the latest and should be sent to the Clerk of the Committee.
A brief guidance note on the submission of evidence can be obtained from the
Clerk of the Committee on 0171-219 2794. The Committee expects to commence
its oral evidence sessions in February 2000.
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Kath Bowden
Programme Administrator
ESRC Global Environmental Change Programme
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Mantell Building, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RF
Tel: 01273 678935 Fax: 01273 604483
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