Overview

After having published many sceptical articles on man-made global warming for a couple of years, which were heavily criticised by a number of non-professional and some professional adherents of the IPCC paradigm or worse did not provoke any reaction at all, we were happy to receive at last a more serious response, yes even some sort of official recognition as climate sceptics. In the beginning of December 2002, the Netherlands Ministry for Environment approached Hans Labohm and invited him to form a group of academic opponents of the IPCC thesis and to participate in an public debate at the Ministry with scientists which represented the Netherlands in the IPCC process. It took Hans Labohm a few days to get the support of Dick Thoenes (chemical engineering), Harry Priem (geology), Kees de Jager (astrophysics) and Bas van Geel (palaeoclimatology). Other prominent scientists, who were eager to join, had to be put off since time constraints would not allow a broader-based discussion. The Ministry needed somewhat more time to get its act together: a couple of months. But ultimately the meeting took place on March 12, 2003.

The State Secretary (Junior Minister) for the Environment, Pieter van Geel (no relation to Bas) was among the participants. He wore a white sling to support his arm, which he had hurt in a recent ski accident. Despite his injury he had been anxious to attend. It just showed that he was serious about the meeting.

The discussion took place...