Bellamy has believed and stated for a long time that global warming is a natural phenomenon and increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere would only produce a rise in plant productivity. He regards himself as a scientist where in respect to the above he does not have an open mind.
But Bellamy then cites data from dodgy sources and which is simply false according to the best scientific records by the World Glacier Monitoring Service. The question is, why would he make such a claim in the first place that many of the world’s glaciers “are not shrinking but in fact are growing. ... 555 of all the 625 glaciers under observation by the World Glacier Monitoring Service in Zurich, Switzerland, have been growing since 1980.”(1)" ?
He has now been forced to retract his statements about glaciers but does this change his attitude to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere being good? I would say most definitely not. He will maintain the carbon dioxide fertilization argument that seeks to put a positive spin on increasing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. What is difficult to prove is the extent of which increasing CO2 emissions will have on this natural phenomenon. To say that the future only holds these truths is one of faith.
British conservationist to lose posts after climate claims
A RETRACTION of controversial claims about climate change does not appear to have saved leading British conservationist David Bellamy from the imminent loss of two prestigious posts.
Bellamy, 72, whose TV career and relentless campaigning to protect wild habitats have made him an influential figure, recently said that the science of man-made climate change was "poppycock". And in a letter to New Scientist (16 April, p 28) he claimed that most glaciers are advancing rather than retreating.
He has since admitted that his figures on glaciers were plain wrong, and announced in a letter to The Sunay Times on 29 May that he had "decided to draw back from the debate on global warming". But the damage had already been done. Two leading conservation organisations have confirmed to New Scientist that they intend to go ahead with plans to replace him later this year.
A spokesperson for Plantlife, where Bellamy has been president for 15 years, says it "would be wrong to ask him to continue". The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, which manages 2500 nature reserves across the UK, says it will not renew his presidency in November for a third term. New Scientist asked Bellamy for a comment but did not receive a reply by the time the magazine went to press.
From issue 2503 of New Scientist magazine, 11 June 2005, page 4
