Gerrit van der Lingen

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Tags: Asia/Pacific, gerrit van der lingen, Think Tanks

Gerrit van der Lingen

No peer-reviewed research on climate change

According to a search of 22,000 academic journals, Van der Lingen has not published any research in a peer-reviewed journal on the subject of climate change. Google scholar shows two articles published in the 1970s. Van der Lingen describes himself as a geologist/paleoclimatologist and climate change consultant.

Van der Lingen, the New Zealand Climate Science Coalition and the Navy

Van der Lingen is a founding member of a new organizaton calling itself "The New Zealand Climate Science Coalition." Brought together in May 2006, the NZ Coalition states that its main goals are to publish and distribute papers and commentaries produced by members of the Coalition; to audit statements by other organizations, both in New Zealand and overseas, which are published in New Zealand, or are expected to influence New Zealand public policy and public opinion, and to audit the forthcoming IPCC report, either on its own, or through the Asia Pacific Climate Science Coalition, or equivalent organization, if one has been established in time.

The chairman of the NZ Coalition is Rear Admiral Jack Welch, a retired member of the New Zealand Navy.

DeSmogBlog thoroughly investigates the academic and industry backgrounds of those involved in the PR spin campaigns that are confusing the public and stalling action on global warming. If there's anyone or any organization, ( i.e. scientist, self-professed "expert," think tank, industry association, company) that you would like to see researched and reported on DeSmogBlog, please contact us here and we will try our best.

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Check out our database of Individuals involved in the global warming denial industry.

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.