Sarah Pullman | Compiled Info on the Friends of Science

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We've been working hard over the past few months to gather lots of information on the Friends of Science, a Canadian group who have been stirring up quite a storm in the media recently with their attempts to spin the public opinion about climate change.

They describe themselves as "a non-profit organization made up of active and retired engineers, earth scientists and other professionals, as well as many concerned Canadians, who believe the science behind the Kyoto Protocol is questionable." Here at the DeSmogBlog, we're inclined to believe that it's the Friends of Science who are questionable - in what they say and in how they say it.

For those who want to learn more, we've gathered all our research into one place, which you can quickly access by clicking on the button in the sidebar (and also posted here). Happy reading!

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About the climate cover-up

Democracy is utterly dependent upon an electorate that is accurately informed. In promoting climate change denial (and often denying their responsibility for doing so) industry has done more than endanger the environment. It has undermined democracy.

There is a vast difference between putting forth a point of view, honestly held, and intentionally sowing the seeds of confusion. Free speech does not include the right to deceive. Deception is not a point of view. And the right to disagree does not include a right to intentionally subvert the public awareness.

Although all public relations professionals are bound by a duty to not knowingly mislead the public, some have executed comprehensive campaigns of misinformation on behalf of industry clients on issues ranging from tobacco and asbestos to seat belts.

Lately, these fringe players have turned their efforts to creating confusion about climate change. This PR campaign could not be accomplished without the compliance of media as well as the assent and participation of leaders in government and business.