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Conservative MP James Lunney Denies That Climate Change Science Is 'Settled'

Tory MP Denies That Climate Change Science Is 'Settled'
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The vast majority of experts may be convinced, but Conservative MP James Lunney doesn't think that climate change is "settled" science.

The long-time Tory MP for the B.C. riding of riding of Nanaimo—Alberni tweeted a link to a story questioning the science behind global warming on Tuesday with the message "Science settled? Think again!"

The article published by The National Post is by Guelph University economist Ross McKitrick, an outspoken critic of the theory that humans are warming the planet by emitting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Last Month, McKitrick spoke at an event in Calgary funded by the Friends of Science Society, the same group that recently made headlines for putting up a billboard saying "the sun is the main driver of climate change."

McKitrick is among those who have signed An Evangelical Declaration on Global Warming, which states that:

"We believe Earth and its ecosystems—created by God’s intelligent design and infinite power and sustained by His faithful providence —are robust, resilient, self-regulating, and self-correcting, admirably suited for human flourishing, and displaying His glory. Earth’s climate system is no exception. Recent global warming is one of many natural cycles of warming and cooling in geologic history."

And:

"We deny that carbon dioxide—essential to all plant growth—is a pollutant. Reducing greenhouse gases cannot achieve significant reductions in future global temperatures, and the costs of the policies would far exceed the benefits."

Lunney and McKitrick seen to share an enthusiasm for intelligent design and skepticism for any science that contradicts their religious beliefs.

In 2009, Lunney questioned the theory of evolution during a statement in the House of Commons.

"The evolutionists may genuinely see his ancestor in a monkey, but many modern scientists interpret the same evidence in favour of creation and a creator," Lunney said.

While most Conservatives generally avoid commenting on climate change whenever possible, Lunney may be feeling a little more free to express his beliefs since announcing that he won't be running for re-election in 2015.

Then again, his statements may have more to do with the government's announcement this week that it has approved construction of the Northern Gateway pipeline. Lunney has been a vocal supporter of the plan to transport bitumen from the Alberta oilsands to the coast of B.C. in order to ship it to markets in Asia.

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