Tom Harris

Tom Harris

Credentials

Background

Tom Harris is the Executive Director of the International Climate Science Coalition (ICSC), a group of climate change skeptics that has received funding from the Heartland Institute. Before starting work with ICSC, Harris was the Executive Director of the now-defunct Natural Resources Stewardship Project (NRSP).2WHO WE ARE,” International Climate Science Coalition. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/8bHuD 3NRSP People,” Natural Resources Stewardship Project. Archived February 13, 2007. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2dBsA

Prior to working with the NRSP, Harris was a Former Director of Operations at the Canadian PR and lobbying firm called the High Park Group (HPG). Previously, Harris was an Associate with APCO Worldwide, a group known for creating The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition (TASSC) which worked to advance tobacco industry interests.4Our Team,” High Park Group. Archived July 1, 2006. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/trsHm 5 Ottawa Key Staff, APCO Worldwide. Archived June 5, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/BDDQN

According to Harris’s archived profile at APCO Worldwide, “Specifically, he has worked with oil and gas, coal, nuclear, environmental and aerospace clients for whom he has conducted effective media and public relations campaigns.” His profile also highlights how he has “worked with private companies and trade associations to successfully position these entities and their interests with media and before various government committees and regulatory bodies.”6Tom Harris,” APCO Worldwide. Archived June 6, 2004. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/uvBMW

The Heartland Institute describes Harris as “perhaps the most frequently cited and interviewed critic of exaggeration and alarmism in the global warming debate, appearing thousands of times on online news forums and being regularly published in newspapers in Canada and the U.S. and occasionally in Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., and other countries.”7Tom Harris,” Heartland Institute. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/dYVlE

Stance on Climate Change

The International Climate Science Coalition (ICSC), of which Harris is Executive Director, offers the following as its “Core Principles”:8Core Principles,” International Climate Science Coalition. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/MMqqY

ICSC on Climate Science

  1. Global climate is always changing in accordance with natural causes and recent changes are not unusual.
  2. Science is rapidly evolving away from the view that humanity’s emissions of carbon dioxide and other ‘greenhouse gases’ are a cause of dangerous climate change.
  3. Climate models used by the IPCC* fail to reproduce known past climates without manipulation and therefore lack the scientific integrity needed for use in climate prediction and related policy decision-making.
  4. The UN IPCC Summary for Policymakers and the assertions of IPCC executives too often seriously mis-represent the conclusions of their own scientific reports.
  5. Claims that ‘consensus’ exists among climate experts regarding the causes of the modest warming of the past century are contradicted by thousands of independent scientists.
  6. Carbon dioxide is not a pollutant – it is a necessary reactant in plant photosynthesis and so is essential for life on Earth.
  7. Research that identifies the Sun as a major driver of global climate change must be taken more seriously.
  8. Global cooling has presented serious problems for human society and the environment throughout history while global warming has generally been highly beneficial.
  9. It is not possible to reliably predict how climate will change in the future, beyond the certainty that multi-decadal warming and cooling trends, and abrupt changes, will all continue, underscoring a need for effective adaptation.
  10. Since science and observation have failed to substantiate the human-caused climate change hypothesis, it is premature to damage national economies with `carbon’ taxes, emissions trading or other schemes to control ‘greenhouse gas’ emissions.

* United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

ICSC on Energy

  1. Carbon dioxide and other ‘greenhouse gas’ emissions from human activity—energy production, transportation, cement production, heating and cooling, etc.—appear to have only a very small impact on global climate.
  2. So-called “new renewable energy technologies” are extremely expensive and rely on huge subsidies. To use such intermittent and diffuse power sources requires that the consumer pays between three and ten times the price of power from conventional sources (coal, oil, natural gas, hydro and nuclear). Regardless, it is not currently possible to safely replace a significant fraction of our conventional energy supplies with alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and most biofuels.
  3. New renewable energy technologies have only a minimal effect on carbon dioxide emissions because none of them can be relied upon to be available when needed. Therefore, conventional fossil fuel-fired power stations must be kept on standby in case the wind drops or a cloud passes over the Sun. This leads to additional emissions of carbon dioxide that, to a large extent, offset the reductions made by the renewable energy technologies.
  4. “Energy independence” is not a good reason for promoting new renewable energy technologies.Energy independence is more easily–and much more cheaply–attained by exploiting abundant national fossil fuel reserves, and spending some of the wealth created on research into potential new energy technologies.

Key Quotes

January 31, 2018

Following President Donald Trump‘s State of the Union Address, Harris said in a statement:9PRESS RELEASE: HEARTLAND INSTITUTE EXPERTS REACT TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS,” The Heartland Institute, January 31, 2018. Archived February 5, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FeswS

“In his State of the Union Address, President Donald Trump said, ‘we have ended the war on clean coal.’ To fully end President Barack Obama’s devastating ‘war on coal,’ Trump is taking many critical steps, with his plans to repeal the Clean Power Plan among the most important.

“Next he needs to eliminate a 2015 Obama administration rule that limits carbon dioxide emissions on new coal-fired power stations. For as long as that rule exists, the United States cannot build modern, clean and efficient coal plants to replace older, dirtier stations as is happening in Europe, China and India. To ensure the longevity of these plans, the Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas endangerment finding must also be repealed. It is only when there is no credible basis to label carbon dioxide a pollutant, that the war on coal will not be easily revived by a future administration.”

October 9, 2017

Following EPA administrator Scott Pruitt‘s announcement that the Trump administration would be scrapping the Clean Power Plan, Huelskamp issued the following statement via the Heartland Institute:10PRESS RELEASE: HEARTLAND INSTITUTE EXPERTS REACT TO EPA SCRAPPING THE CLEAN POWER PLAN,” The Heartland Institute, October 9, 2017. Archived October 10, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/B9m3e

“Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt is right to kill the hugely expensive Clean Power Plan. After all, it only controls carbon dioxide, which is simply plant food. […]

“Increasing CO2 poses no direct hazard to human health, either. Concentrations in submarines can reach up to 25 times the normal atmospheric levels without causing harmful effects on the crew. Yet the CPP misleads readers by referring to CO2 as ‘carbon pollution,’ a huge deception. […]”11PRESS RELEASE: HEARTLAND INSTITUTE EXPERTS REACT TO EPA SCRAPPING THE CLEAN POWER PLAN,” The Heartland Institute, October 9, 2017. Archived October 10, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/B9m3e

September 2016

“[S]urface temperature, averaged over the land and ocean, increased only about 1.5 degrees between 1880 to 2012 despite a reputed 36 percent rise in atmospheric CO² content. And it is well known that the impact of CO² rise diminishes as the concentration increases. Given also that there has been no general increase in extreme weather or the rate of sea level rise, the primary rationale for actions to restrict CO2 emissions boils down to the possibility of dangerous climate change in the future.”12 Tom Harris. “Judges must understand: Climate rules are irrational,” The Spectrum, September 24, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YZV2J

Augus, 2016

“GOP candidates must follow [Donald] Trump’s lead, making use of reports such as those of the NIPCC, to clearly explain to the public that climate change is a natural phenomenon on which human influence is likely very small. Plans to cripple the coal industry, our most important source of cheap electricity, because of improbable climate concerns, is irrational and dangerous. It is immoral to destroy millions of jobs and harm America’s poor, minority, and working class families with soaring energy prices because of a questionable theory about future climate.”13 Tom Harris. “OPINION: GOP Should Follow Trump’s Lead on Climate Change,” Pagosa Daily Post, August 22, 2016. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FhyHI

June 2016

“Most adults consider security, potable water, education, etc., much more important than climate change. And when you consider about 5 million Africans die every year because they do not have fresh, drinkable water, you realize the kids are being totally propagandized.”14Massachusetts Court Sides with Teenagers in ‘Historic’ Climate Victory,”CommonDreams, May 17, 2016. Archived June 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FVJ8q

“The number-one factor in the rising cost of electricity is the phasing out of coal. People will have to pay more for electricity, and this will disproportionately harm the poor, who will have to pay a greater portion of their budgets for heat and to cool their homes.”15Massachusetts Court Sides with Teenagers in ‘Historic’ Climate Victory,”CommonDreams, May 17, 2016. Archived June 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FVJ8q

May 2015

“Climate will continue to change no matter what we do. So let’s help the world’s poor to the degree we can afford by providing them with reliable, inexpensive electricity and stop pretending we have a crystal ball to future climate states.”16 Wendy Wright. “Vatican Conference Criticized for Backing Abortion and Population Control Politics,” Christian Daily. May 8, 2015. Archived May 11, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/F60XV

April 2015

“If President Barack Obama really was ‘committed to combating the health impacts of climate change and protecting the health of future generations,’ he would promote an expansion of coal-fired electricity generation. After all, the United States is the Saudi Arabia of inexpensive, high-quality coal and has sufficient resources to provide the vitally needed secure electric power Americans must have to ensure their health for generations to come.

“The president is bent on dismantling America’s coal sector, choosing instead to promote flimsy, expensive sources such as wind and solar power. If he really believed we were headed towards a climate crisis, he would encourage the growth of America’s cheapest, most-powerful sources of power, coal being obviously first on the list. To do otherwise is as irrational as a ship captain ordering his crew to man the lifeboats because a major storm is approaching.”17 Craig Idso. “HEARTLAND INSTITUTE EXPERTS REACT TO OBAMA’S EFFORT TO LINK HUMAN HEALTH AND CLIMATE CHANGE,” Heartland Institute, April 7, 2015. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FuRJv

November 2014

“Of the roughly one billion U.S. dollars spent every day across the world on climate finance, only 6% of it is devoted to helping people adapt to climate change in the present. The rest is wasted trying to stop improbable future climatic events. That is immoral.”18NEWS RELEASE – CURRENT APPROACH TO CLIMATE CHANGE IS IMMORAL,” International Climate Science Coalition, November 2, 2014. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/lgvzA

2008

The following is taken from Tom Harris’s speech at the Heartland Institute’s 2008 International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC):19Global warming ‘skepticism’ – ‘coordinated local activism’,” Youtube Video uploaded by user frankbi, September 29, 2008.

We want to use the tools of the pros when it comes to lobbying. That’s not something our group is focused especially on, but other groups like Heartland are indeed good in that area. We want to, of course, continue to conduct good science and to promote its use through climate policy. Now there are various groups doing this already and I’m sure you’ve heard of them all, I won’t list them, but there are several components missing, and these are things that we hope to incorporate into the new International Climate Science Coalition.

“We need regular high-impact media coverage of the findings of leading scientists – not just one or two publications but we need to have hundreds all over the world. We need to have a high degree of information sharing and cooperation between groups so that when Vincent Gray, for example, has an article published in New Zealand, we can take the same piece, and we can (say) submit it to newspapers all over North America and Europe. Then we have a nicely well-coordinated response where letters to the editor and phone calls are made, ‘Congratulations on publishing that article!’

“You know, it’s interesting because I’ve had many of my articles opposed so strongly by environmentalists through phone calls and letters to the editor that they just simply dry up; they just won’t publish us again. So this does have feedback, I mean, these are people that run these newspapers and they’re scared, and impressed, and encouraged, depending on the feedback they get.

“We have to have grassroots organizations doing exactly that kind of thing coordinated local activism. And finally, as I said, we need unbiased polling and good press coverage.”20Global warming ‘skepticism’ – ‘coordinated local activism’,” Youtube Video uploaded by user frankbi, September 29, 2008.

Key Deeds

February 4, 2020

Harris co-authored an article with Heartland Institute senior fellow Jay H. Lehr. Harris and Lehr argue there is “overwhelming” evidence against mankind’s influence on climate change. In the article, the authors repeat common change myths. For example, the idea that because CO2 is only a small part of the atmosphere that it is not important (see that debunked here):21Why don’t we hear more about the Sun and its impact on Climate Change?America Out Loud, February 4, 2020. Archived February 11, 2020. Archive.ph URL: https://archive.ph/5lT5y

“Carbon dioxide (CO2) comprises only .04% (.0004) of our atmosphere. There is only 1/10,000 more CO2 in the atmosphere now than there was 260 years ago,” they wrote.

Next, the authors claim there has been no rise in global temperatures (another myth debunked at SkepticalScience, as well as the myth that El Nino is the cause):

“The fact that average temperatures did not rise much (other than during two naturally caused El Nino events) over the past two decades, during which about 1/3 of all human CO2 has been emitted, indicates that CO2 has no significant effect on real world temperatures.”22Why don’t we hear more about the Sun and its impact on Climate Change?America Out Loud, February 4, 2020. Archived February 11, 2020. Archive.ph URL: https://archive.ph/5lT5y

They claim that temperatures have been lower in the past when CO2 levels were higher, and suggest this is another reason to invalidate global warming (see that debunked):23Why don’t we hear more about the Sun and its impact on Climate Change?America Out Loud, February 4, 2020. Archived February 11, 2020. Archive.ph URL: https://archive.ph/5lT5y

“There have been times in history when CO2 levels were high and temperatures very low. And times in which CO2 levels were very low and temperatures very high. This negative correlation indicates that global warming argument fails again and the hypothesis of CO2 causing much real-world temperature change is almost certainly wrong.”24Why don’t we hear more about the Sun and its impact on Climate Change?America Out Loud, February 4, 2020. Archived February 11, 2020. Archive.ph URL: https://archive.ph/5lT5y

Finally, another myth, that climate models just aren’t good enough (See SkepticalScience’s summary of the reliability of models):25Why don’t we hear more about the Sun and its impact on Climate Change?America Out Loud, February 4, 2020. Archived February 11, 2020. Archive.ph URL: https://archive.ph/5lT5y

“The point is there are hundreds of variables that affect temperatures. The climate models that inform the alarmist argument use very few of them and, even for those, just guess at their influence.”26Why don’t we hear more about the Sun and its impact on Climate Change?America Out Loud, February 4, 2020. Archived February 11, 2020. Archive.ph URL: https://archive.ph/5lT5y

They conclude:27Why don’t we hear more about the Sun and its impact on Climate Change?America Out Loud, February 4, 2020. Archived February 11, 2020. Archive.ph URL: https://archive.ph/5lT5y

“For people who have studied climate change for over 40 years, like the senior author of this article, Dr. Jay Lehr⏤it is frustrating to know that the evidence against mankind having any role in it, is overwhelming. Yet the public and the opposition believe otherwise.”28Why don’t we hear more about the Sun and its impact on Climate Change?America Out Loud, February 4, 2020. Archived February 11, 2020. Archive.ph URL: https://archive.ph/5lT5y

November 2, 2018

In an opinion piece for Townhall.com, Harris and Jay Lehr of the Heartland Institute claim that international efforts to curb manmade climate change are part of a global conspiracy theory to eliminate human freedom:

“For many of the entities driving the global warming debate, the goal has never been about climate. Their long-term goal is to unite the world under a single socialistic government in which there is no capitalism, no democracy, and, ultimately, no freedom.”29 Jay Lehr. “Global Warming Is Not Damaging Our World – The Global Warming Movement Is,” townhall.com, November 2, 2018. Archived November 12, 2018. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/DAT3g

Harris and Lehr assert complicity in this scheme by every major agency of the U.S. government with oversight of energy, environmental, and climate policy.30 Jay Lehr. “Global Warming Is Not Damaging Our World – The Global Warming Movement Is,” townhall.com, November 2, 2018. Archived November 12, 2018. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/DAT3g

The pair further alleges that proponents of the scientific consensus regarding climate change are attempting to subvert the U.S. Constitution by stifling counterfactual viewpoints:

“Personal freedoms are declining as a result of the climate scare as well. Socialists are using global warming to attack freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.”31 Jay Lehr. “Global Warming Is Not Damaging Our World – The Global Warming Movement Is,” townhall.com, November 2, 2018. Archived November 12, 2018. Archive.is URL: http://archive.is/DAT3g

October 19, 2018

Wrote an article titled “How Al Gore Built The Global Warming Fraud” at Climate Change Dispatch with the Heartland Institute‘s “Science Director” Jay Lehr. In the article, they conclude that “essentially everything in Gore’s climate change agenda is either wrong or highly misrepresented.” They also stress that Will Happer needs to leverage his position in the Trump administration: “Now that he is President Donald Trump’s Senior Scientist for the National Security Council, Dr. Happer needs to show there is no “scientific consensus” on these issues … to help end the dangerous mythology of dangerous man-made global warming.”32 Jay Lehr and Tom Harris. “How Al Gore Built The Global Warming Fraud,” Climate Change Dispatch, October 19, 2018. Archived November 7, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/eUmo1

October 15, 2018

Tom Harris co-wrote an article at The Washington Times with Tim Ball where they criticized the latest U.N. IPCC’s report on climate change. The IPCC report found that drastic and rapid cuts to fossil fuel use would be needed to maintain a 1.5°C target.33 Tim Ball and Tom Harris. “Why U.N. climate report cannot be trusted,” The Washington Times, October 15, 2018. Archived October 23, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/Jn2h0

“In climate research and modeling, we should recognize that we are dealing with a coupled non-linear chaotic system, and therefore that the long-term prediction of future climate states is not possible,” Ball and Harris claimed.

“The supposed threat is a 1.5 to 2C increase, but global temperatures were higher than today by at least that much for most of the last 10,000 years. Yet polar bears and the world survived. No one should take the new IPCC climate report seriously.”

According to SkepticalScience, these blanket statements that modeling is inaccurate and that the earth was warmer in the past are two common climate change myths refuted by the available science.

August 7, 2018

Harris spoke at the Heartland Institute‘s “America First Energy Conference” (AFEC 2018) in New Orleans, Louisiana.34Speakers,” America First Energy Conference 2018. Archived August 1, 2018. Archive.fo URL: https://archive.fo/mwtga

“The purpose of this event is to promote and expand energy freedom in the United States, as outlined in President Donald Trump’s bold America First Energy Plan, a proposal first released during the 2016 presidential campaign. The president’s plan marks a decisive change in direction from the Obama administration’s ‘war on fossil fuels’ and focus on the theory of catastrophic man-caused climate change,” the conference description reads.35About,” America First Energy Conference 2018. Archived July 23, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.fo/E4Gnt

Harris spoke on a panel titled “Fueling Freedom and Prosperity.”36TOM HARRIS,” America First Energy Conference 2018. Archived August 1, 2018. Archive URL: https://archive.fo/0tKF7

June 29, 2018

Harris co-wrote an Op-Ed with Tim Ball suggesting that then-EPA-Administrator Scott Pruitt “must ignore the flak and use it only as a guide to drop more bombs.” The Op-Ed suggests media criticism of Scott Pruitt for his spending practices is “a typical example of how technocrats respond to anyone doing things other than their way, they fear Pruitt because he is dismantling unnecessary and expensive environmental policies of the Obama administration.”37 Tim Ball and Tom Harris. “OpEd – EPA head must ignore the flak and continue to drop more bombs,Moultrie News, June 29, 2018. Archived July 9, 2018.

“World War II Lancaster bomber pilot Sandy Mutch explained the approach Pruitt should take when he is attacked. ‘On bombing raids over Europe, we could tell we were closing in on the target when we started to get the most flak. Anyone who wants to kill the dangerous and unfounded climate scare… should focus on exposing the shaky science behind climate alarm,’ said Mutch, who passed away on April 15, 2018 at the age of 98. ‘That is the Achilles heel of the whole movement. Shoot it down and you win the war’” Harris and Ball wrote.38 Tim Ball and Tom Harris. “OpEd – EPA head must ignore the flak and continue to drop more bombs,Moultrie News, June 29, 2018. Archived July 9, 2018.

February 4, 2018

In January 2018, more than 200 scientists endorsed an open letter calling on the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) to remove climate change denier Rebekah Mercer from its board and to “end ties to anti-science propagandists and funders of climate science misinformation.” The New York Times reported that those among the AMNH letter calling for Mercer to step down were Michael E. Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Pennsylvania State University, and Katharine Hayhoe, director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University.39 Robin Pogrebin and Somini Sengupta. “A Science Denier at the Natural History Museum? Scientists Rebel,” The New York Times, January 25, 2018. Archived February 13, 2018. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/tAIv4

Harris was among a group of climate change deniers who responded with their own open letter, calling for the AMNH “not to cave in to this pressure.” The letter was signed by numerous individuals with ties to groups funded by the Mercer Family Foundation such as Will Happer of the CO2 CoalitionRichard Lindzen, a fellow at the Cato InstituteCraig Idso, the chairman of the Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change. There are a number of signatories affiliated with the Heartland Institute, which has received over $5.78 million from the Mercer Family Foundation since 2008.40 Graham Readfearn. “Climate Science Deniers Defend New York’s American Museum of Natural History From Calls to Drop Trustee Rebekah Mercer,” DeSmog, February 6, 2018.

The letter reads:41 mnh18-feb4-petitionletter (PDF – Untitled). Retrieved from Watts Up With That.

“The Earth has supported abundant life many times in the geological past when there were much higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It is quite likely that future generations will benefit from the enrichment of Earth’s atmosphere with more carbon dioxide.

“Make no mistake, the agitators are not defending science from quackery — quite the contrary!”

July 9, 2017

Writing at Pensacola News Journal and earlier at The Daily Caller, Harris congratulated Energy Secretary Rick Perry for denying the influence of man-made CO2 emissions on climate change in a CNBC interview and, later, before a Senate committee.42Energy secretary right on climate change,” Pensacola News Journal, July 9, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog. 43The Energy Secretary Is Right On Climate Change,” The Daily Caller, June 27, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/9SXSO 44Energy Secretary Rick Perry says CO2 is not the main driver of climate change,” CNBC, June 19, 2017. Archived June 19, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Ac4Mo

“Perry’s points about climate change, in both the TV interview and his Senate testimony, are justified,” Harris wrote. “And being a skeptic about such a complex and uncertain field, especially one with expensive policy ramifications, is indeed ‘quite alright.’”45Energy secretary right on climate change,” Pensacola News Journal, July 9, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

Harris goes on to cite the ICSC’s “Climate Scientists’ Register” as evidence that “many experts do not support the hypothesis that we face a man-made climate crisis.” He also claims that Timothy Ball provides reason that “Perry should not be concerned by AMS [American Meteorological Society] claims either.”46Energy secretary right on climate change,” Pensacola News Journal, July 9, 2017. Archived .pdf on file at DeSmog.

September 24, 2016

Tom Harris published an article at The Spectrum titled “Judges must understand: Climate rules are irrational,” commenting on the Clean Power Plan’s (CPP) day in court. According to Harris, the CPP “will have no measurable impact on climate” since he contends developing countries are unlikely to follow through on emissions reductions.47 Tom Harris. “Judges must understand: Climate rules are irrational,” The Spectrum, September 24, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YZV2J 48 David Doniger. “Clean Power Plan Comes to Court: What to Expect Next Tuesday,” NRDC, September 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/NUkQT

Harris also argues that “From a climate change perspective, it probably won’t matter,” citing a number of common myths on climate change:49 Tom Harris. “Judges must understand: Climate rules are irrational,” The Spectrum, September 24, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YZV2J 50Global Warming & Climate Change Myths,” SkepicalScience.

“[S]urface temperature, averaged over the land and ocean, increased only about 1.5 degrees between 1880 to 2012 despite a reputed 36 percent rise in atmospheric CO² content. And it is well known that the impact of CO² rise diminishes as the concentration increases.” Harris said. “Given also that there has been no general increase in extreme weather or the rate of sea level rise, the primary rationale for actions to restrict CO2 emissions boils down to the possibility of dangerous climate change in the future.”51 Tom Harris. “Judges must understand: Climate rules are irrational,” The Spectrum, September 24, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YZV2J

Harris also quotes John R. Christy, who had said in Feb. 2, 2016 testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space & Technology that climate models “failed at the simple test of telling us ‘what’ has already happened, and thus would not be in a position to give us a confident answer to ‘what’ may happen in the future and ‘why.’”52 Tom Harris. “Judges must understand: Climate rules are irrational,” The Spectrum, September 24, 2016. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/YZV2J

June 22, 2016

After a Massachusetts court sided with a group of teenagers by ruling the state had failed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Tom Harris claimed that today’s youth are being “propagandized” by the environmental movement:53Massachusetts Court Sides with Teenagers in ‘Historic’ Climate Victory,”CommonDreams, May 17, 2016. Archived June 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FVJ8q 54Massachusetts Loses Climate Action Case Brought by Youths,” Heartland Institute, June 22, 2016. Archived June 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/hk4JL

“What we really need to be asking is, ‘Is known suffering of people today more important than possible suffering of unborn people in the future,’” Harris said. “Most people have never thought about climate change this way, and the kids are all focused on possible future suffering. This is an absolute crime.”

“Most adults consider security, potable water, education, etc., much more important than climate change,” said Harris. “And when you consider about 5 million Africans die every year because they do not have fresh, drinkable water, you realize the kids are being totally propagandized.”55Massachusetts Loses Climate Action Case Brought by Youths,” Heartland Institute, June 22, 2016. Archived June 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/hk4JL

Harris also commended on why he believes coal power should not be phased out:

“The number-one factor in the rising cost of electricity is the phasing out of coal,” said Harris. “People will have to pay more for electricity, and this will disproportionately harm the poor, who will have to pay a greater portion of their budgets for heat and to cool their homes.”56Massachusetts Loses Climate Action Case Brought by Youths,” Heartland Institute, June 22, 2016. Archived June 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/hk4JL

June 13, 2016

Tom Harris was quoted in the Heartland Institute‘s press release, “Heartland Institute Experts React to U.S. House Passing Anti-Carbon Tax Resolution.”57Heartland Institute Experts React to U.S. House Passing Anti-Carbon Tax Resolution,” Heartland Institute, June 13, 2016. Archived June 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/hwlzg

“The Obama administration apparently does not understand that regulations such as the Clean Power Plan will have no measurable impact on global climate. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy admitted this at a Congressional hearing, and repeatedly asserted that the primary purpose of the rules is to set an example for the world to follow.

“But developing countries, the source of most of today’s carbon dioxide emissions – the only gas targeted by the Clean Power Plan – have indicated they have no intention of limiting their development for ‘climate protection’ purposes. In fact, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the foundation of all UN climate change agreements, states clearly in Article 4 that the ‘economic and social development and poverty eradication are the first and overriding priorities of the developing country Parties,’ not climate change.

“Actions to significantly reduce CO2 emissions would entail dramatically cutting back on the use of coal, the source of 81 percent of China’s electricity and 71 percent of India’s. As coal is by far the least expensive source of electric power in most parts of the world, reducing CO2 emissions by restricting coal use would unquestionably interfere with development priorities. So developing countries simply won’t do it, citing the UN’s own treaties in support of their actions.

“Most of the public would pay nothing at all to support an improbable hope that other countries follow America to possibly avert a hypothetical future problem. So of course polling companies never ask the public about this important issue. The answer would be most inconvenient.”58Heartland Institute Experts React to U.S. House Passing Anti-Carbon Tax Resolution,” Heartland Institute, June 13, 2016. Archived June 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/hwlzg

April 2016

Tom Harris was interviewed by The Rebel media about the Sierra Club and climate change. Video below:59 Brian Lilley. “Tom Harris: Sierra Club’s ‘divide and conquer’ strategy to destroy coal, other energy industries,” April 25, 2016. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/jXl8L

December 1 – 3, 2015

Tom Harris was a speaker at the “Paris Climate Challenge” (PCC) an event organized by the newly created Independent Committee on Geoethics (ICG) with the goal of “Challenging the groupthink of COP21.” View video of his speech below:60About PCC15,” PCCC15.org. Archived November 25, 2017. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/iyGdB

Harris was also featured in an interview at the vent for the program “Windows on the World”:

July 17, 2015

In a July 17, 2015 article in the “Opinion” section of the Windsor Star, titled “Government climate policies wreak damage,” Tom Harris writes that “for an increasing fraction of the world’s population, the real crisis is not the possibility that dangerous human-caused climate change may someday occur. It is the serious problems being caused today by government policies to mitigate climate change.”61 Tom Harris. “Government climate policies wreak damage,” Windsor Star, July 17, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

Harris continues, stating that efforts to reduce CO2 emissions is “causing food price spikes that are a disaster for the world’s poor.” He also claims that “electricity rates have soared, mostly affecting the poor” due to increases in wind energy.62 Tom Harris. “Government climate policies wreak damage,” Windsor Star, July 17, 2015. Archived .pdf on file at Desmog.

June 11–12, 2015

Tom Harris was a speaker on Panel 12: “Effective Climate Science Communication,” at the Heartland Institute’s Tenth International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC10) in Washington, D.C., with John Coleman and Michael Bastasch.63Speakers,” ICCC10. Archived June 30, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/lpiqu

View Tom Harris’ Panel 12 presentation at the Heartland Institute’s ICCC10, below:64Panel 12: Effective Climate Science Communication with Tom Harris, John Coleman, and Michael Bastasch,” Ustream, June 12, 2015. Archived July 14, 2015. Archived video on file at Desmog.

March 2015

Tom Harris, Director of the International Climate Science Coalition, met with both CKNW News Talk 980 radio and NewsTalk 1290 CJBK radio to discuss why “Earth Hour is a mistake.”65EARTH HOUR A SERIOUS MISTAKE, PRACTICALLY AND SYMBOLICALLY” (Press Release), International Climate Science Coalition, March 27, 2015. Archived August 18, 2015. Archived audio on file at Desmog. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/68UQF 66 Mike Stubbs. “Interviews > Tom Harris,” Newstalk 1290 CJBK, March 27, 2015. Archived August 18, 2015. Audio no longer available.

Video of CKNW News Talk 980 interview below:

December 2014–February 2015

Scholars and Rogues (S&R) profiled Tom Harris in a multi-part series, tracking his publishing of eight nearly identical commentaries in newspapers and websites. Harris had written that “philosophers and other intellectuals have an ethical obligation to speak out loudly when they see fundamental errors in thinking” about climate change.67Tom Harris’ commentaries intended to impede, not advance, public understanding of climate science,” Scholars and Rogues, February 20, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/iLJ9j

According to S&R, “Harris is trying to undermine climate scientists, attempting to poison the well against any new experts who enter the fray but don’t support Harris’ own conclusions, and hoping to derail the public discussion of climate disruption as much as possible.”

Below is a list of S&R’s commentary and analysis:

November 6, 2014

In an article in the Tulsa Beacon, Tom Harris comments that it is “frightening that West Virginia’s Sen. Joe Manchin is attempting to find common ground with climate change activist, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island.”68 Tom Harris. ”West Virginia is not affecting sea levels in Rhode Island,” Tulsa Beacon, November 6, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/jBFAE

Harris, who does not have a background in climate change science, states that “the rate of sea-level rise today is now so low that adaptation is relatively easy,” claiming that because sea levels were rising in the Holocene period that we shouldn’t worry about modern-day sea level rise.69 Tom Harris. ”West Virginia is not affecting sea levels in Rhode Island,” Tulsa Beacon, November 6, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/jBFAE

November 5, 2014

The Heartland Institute‘s “environmental science and policy experts” published comments following the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) release of its “Synthesis Report,” completing the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report (AR5).70Heartland Institute Experts Comment on Latest United Nations Climate Report,” Heartland Institute, November 5, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/CBLqi

Tom Harris wrote that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon “exemplified the childish and deceptive nature of the UN’s approach to climate change when [Ban Ki-moon] told reporters at this week’s launch of the Synthesis Report in Copenhagen: ‘Human influence on the climate system is clear – and clearly growing. … The atmosphere and oceans have warmed. … Science has spoken. There is no ambiguity in their message.’”71Heartland Institute Experts Comment on Latest United Nations Climate Report,” Heartland Institute, November 5, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/CBLqi

Harris stated the “human influence on global climate is not even detectable,” and that it is “lost in the noise of natural variability … Neither the oceans nor the atmosphere have warmed of late … There is massive ambiguity in the science.”72Heartland Institute Experts Comment on Latest United Nations Climate Report,” Heartland Institute, November 5, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/CBLqi

November 2, 2014

As reported in an ICSC press release, representatives Bob Carter and Tom Harris went on the The Roy Green Show to debate Green Party Leader Elizabeth May regarding the new UN IPCC Synthesis Report.73ICSC CONTESTS CANADIAN GREEN PARTY LEADER ON NEW UN CLIMATE REPORT,” International Climate Science Coalition, November 2, 2014. Archived August 18, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/CoZIn

October 29, 2014

The Heartland Institute‘s “energy and environment experts” commented on the ruling by the Health Board of Brown County, Wisconsin, declaring wind turbines a “human health hazard.”74Heartland Institute Experts Comment on Wind Turbines Being a ‘Human Health Hazard’,” PRWeb, October 29, 2014. Archived November 4, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/7PFoF 75Duke Energy’s Shirley Wind Turbines Declared ‘Human Health Hazard’,” Brown County Citizens for Responsible Wind Energy. Archived November 4, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/JeZZ0 Tom Harris writes that “without taxpayer funded subsidies, large wind turbine projects are not economically viable … However, the government funds them regardless because of the appearance that their use helps ‘fight climate change.’”76Heartland Institute Experts Comment on Wind Turbines Being a ‘Human Health Hazard’,” PRWeb, October 29, 2014. Archived November 4, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/7PFoF

Harris continues:

“More importantly, the hypothesis that carbon dioxide emissions from human activity is damaging the climate has been thoroughly debunked by reports such as those of the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change. So, the main reason the government funds wind power is no longer valid.” 77Heartland Institute Experts Comment on Wind Turbines Being a ‘Human Health Hazard’,” PRWeb, October 29, 2014. Archived November 4, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/7PFoF

October 9, 2014

Tom Harris is quoted in the Heartland Institute‘s press release, “Heartland Institute Climate Experts Comment on 18 Straight Years of No Global Warming,” which states “the global mean surface temperature has not risen for 18 consecutive years. This extends the so-called ‘pause’ in global warming to a new record, one not predicted by the climate models of the United Nations’ International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).”78 Tom Harris. “Heartland Institute Climate Experts Comment on 18 Straight Years of No Global Warming,” Heartland Institute, October 9, 2014. Archived October 16, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nuCrS

“The global warming scare is driven by computerized climate model forecasts of the future,” Harris writes. “If the models are unreliable, then there is little basis for concern, since real-world observations show that the climate change of the past century falls well within natural variability. In 2008, the NOAA ‘State of the Climate’ report specified exactly what observations would indicate whether the models are reliable or not: Fifteen years of no warming. In 2009, climate scientist Phil Jones agreed, telling a colleague in one of the leaked Climategate emails: ‘Bottom line: the “no upward trend” has to continue for a total of 15 years before we get worried.’

“Having just passed 18 years with no warming, the criteria, as set by alarmists themselves, is now satisfied. The global warming scare is over.”79 Tom Harris. “Heartland Institute Climate Experts Comment on 18 Straight Years of No Global Warming,” Heartland Institute, October 9, 2014. Archived October 16, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nuCrS

September 25, 2014

Tom Harris was interviewed by Canada’s Sun Media TV Host Marissa Semkiw, describing climate change protests as “a moral travesty.”80CLIMATE CHANGE PROTESTS HOPELESSLY MISGUIDED” (Press Release), International Climate Science Coalition, September 25, 2014. Archived August 18, 2015.

August 11, 2014

Tom Harris published an opinion piece in the New York Post titled “The EPA Vs. The Public and Science.”81 Tom Harris. ”The EPA Vs. The Public and Science,” New York Post, August 11, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/xsZN1

In the piece, Harris criticizes the Obama administration for never having attended the Heartland Institute’s International Conferences on Climate Change. He also criticizes the EPA, saying they “didn’t even consult with utilities that actually burn coal to produce electricity” before attending public hearings.82 Tom Harris. ”The EPA Vs. The Public and Science,” New York Post, August 11, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/xsZN1

“[T]he EPA is intent on regulations that will drive energy prices through the roof, throwing millions out of work, while having no measurable impact on the environment,” Harris wrote.83 Tom Harris. ”The EPA Vs. The Public and Science,” New York Post, August 11, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/xsZN1

July 7–9, 2014

Tom Harris was a speaker at the Heartland Institute’s Ninth International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC9) in Las Vegas, Nevada. DeSmogBlog has done in-depth research on the other speakers and sponsors from Heartland’s ICCC9.84Return of Climate Denial-a-Palooza: Heartland Institute Hitches Anti-Science Wagon to Vegas FreedomFest,” DeSmogBlog, July 7, 2014. Archived July 14, 2014.

Harris’ speech, titled “Expanding the Tent of Climate Realism” can be viewed below.

June 3, 2014

Tom Harris, Executive Director of ICSC, was interviewed by Sun News where he “dissects Obama Administration ‘Clean Power Plan’ (CPP) issued on June 2,” reports a International Climate Science Coalition press release. The video of the interview no longer appears available.85OBAMA CLEAN POWER PLAN A DISINGENUOUS ‘SLEIGHT OF HAND’,” International Climate Science Coalition, June 3, 2014. Archived August 18, 2015. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/WivMZ

May 13, 2014

As reported by an ICSC Press Release, Executive Director Tom Harris was interviewed by Ezra Levant on the Sun Media’s network to discuss “Agenda driven science from the White House.”86THIRD NATIONAL CLIMATE ASSESSMENT ‘A FAIRY TALE’” (Press Release), International Climate Science Coalition, May 13, 2014. Archived August 18, 2015. Archive.is URL:

April 9, 2014

Tom Harris, ICSC Exective Director, went on to the Voice of Russia radio where he was interviewed by Kells Hetherington. In the interview, Harris said that climate change is “actually a good thing”:87Coalition Claims Climate Change ‘It’s Actually A Good Thing’,” Voice of Russia US, April 9, 2014. Archived July 29, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/W6kdn

“In fact we are seeing a ‘greening,’ where deserts are actually retreating, forests are expanding, and we’re seeing more habitat for wildlife,” explained Harris. “It’s actually a good thing that this kind of climate change is occurring.”88Coalition Claims Climate Change ‘It’s Actually A Good Thing’,” Voice of Russia US, April 9, 2014. Archived July 29, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/W6kdn

March 2014

Harris supported comments made by climate science denialist and creationist scientist Roy Spencer, of the University of Alabama, Huntsville. Dr. Spencer had said he would be using the phrase “global warmng Nazi” to describe anyone who had used the term “deniers” in reference to people’s position on human-caused climate change.89 Graham Readfearn. “Climate Change Denier Roy Spencer Says People Who Use Word ‘Denier’ Are ‘Global Warming Nazis‘,” Desmog, February 20, 2014.

In a comment on Spencer’s blog, Mr. Harris said: “Those who personally attack others in despicable ways simply because they disagree with their opinions on science matters are indeed behaving like Nazis. They are clearly trying to silence opposition through bully boy tactics, just like the Nazis.”90 Roy W. Spencer. “Time to push back against the global warming Nazis,” DrRoySpencer.com, February 20, 2014. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/cQpZH

Harris referred readers to a radio phone-in, where he had called CFRA 580 News Talk Radio host Nick Vandergragt to complain of what he claimed was unfair treatment at the hands of environment group Ecology Ottawa. Video below:

Harris told Vandergragt:91STAND UP FOR CLIMATE REALISM,” YouTube Video uploaded by user Tom Harris, February 14, 2014.

The environmental groups are not just.. like.. you know, home clubs that get together and talk about the weather. They actually affect society. They write letters, they go out and protest and actually take action and they are changing our society and they are ruining our society.

February 2014

Tom Harris appears as part of a three-person panel on international radio program Voice of Russia alongside Benny Peiser, of the Global Warming Policy Foundation, and Georgy Safonov, of Russia’s Higher School of Economics.9239th VoR Live Panel: Climate Change – what can science do?The Voice of Russia, February 21, 2014. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Lkj1o

Harris tells listeners that Russian solar scientists were predicting “a new little Ice Age by around 2055”. He said that the “massive problems that we have due to climate change occur all the time” and said conditions could return to “global cooling” and those felt by Napoleonic forces in their 1812 invasion of Russia.9339th VoR Live Panel: Climate Change – what can science do?The Voice of Russia, February 21, 2014. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Lkj1o

November 6, 2013

Tom Harris appears on Canada’s Sun News Network to discuss the case of “climate refugees.” Harris says, “This is a real problem. If we bow to this, there’s all sorts of other things we’re going to have to bow to. For example, right now, Micronesia, believe it or not, is suing the government of the Czech Republic because of their coal stations because Micronesia says that the CO2 emissions from the Czech Republic are destroying the corals and making the islands sink … It has nothing to do with the West and our CO2 consumption.”94Tom Harris on Sun News: Phony Climate Refugees,” Heartland Institute, November 6, 2013. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/EOgyB

May 21–23, 2012

Tom Harris was a speaker at the Heartland Institute‘s 7th International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC7).95Speakers,” 7th International Conference on Climate Change. Archived June 19, 2012. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/aXEqK

DeSmogBlog researched the co-sponsors behind Heartland’s ICCC7 and found that they had collectively received over $67 million from ExxonMobil, the Koch Brothers and the conservative Scaife family foundations.96 Brendan DeMelle. “Heartland Denial-a-Palooza Sponsors Have Received Million From ExxonMobil, Koch and Scaife Foundations,” Desmog, May 22, 2012.

Harris’ speech, titled “Climate Change and the Blogosphere” can be viewed below.

February, 2012

The Committee for the Advancement of Scientific Skepticism (CASS) issues a damning report into a university climate change course being delivered by Tom Harris to students at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.97 Richard Littlemore. “Fake Heartland ‘Scientist’ Infiltrates Canadian University,” Desmog, February 28, 2012.

CASS researched materials being used by Harris in his course, titled “Climate Change: An Earth Sciences Perspective” and found more than 140 errors. The authors also found that four guest lecturers and contributors chosen by Harris to supplement the materials were all associatied with Harris’ climate change denial PR group the International Climate Science Coalition.98 Richard Littlemore. “Fake Heartland ‘Scientist’ Infiltrates Canadian University,” Desmog, February 28, 2012.

CASS said:99 Richard Littlemore. “Fake Heartland ‘Scientist’ Infiltrates Canadian University,” Desmog, February 28, 2012.

On auditing the course, CASS discovered that key messages for students contradict accepted scientific opinion. These messages include: denying that current climate change has an anthropogenic cause; dismissing the problems that carbon dioxide emissions cause because CO2 is plant food; denying the existence of the scientific consensus on the causes of climate change; and claiming that we should prepare instead for global cooling.

In a CBC news report, Harris defended the course and said he saw nothing that needed correcting.100 Emily Chung. “Climate change skeptic’s university course criticized,” CBC News, March 2, 2012. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/ZNYz6

July 1, 2011

Harris was a speaker at the Heartland Institute’s Sixth International Conference on Climate Change.101Speakers,” Sixth International Conference on Climate Change. Archived October 8, 2011. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/nMjDq Desmog has done research into the organizations funding the event and found that these organizations have received over $47 million from energy companies and right-wing foundations, with 78% of that total coming from the Scaife Family of foundations.

His speech can be viewed below.

June 2011

An International Climate Science Coalition strategy and fundraising document, compiled by Tom Harris, discusses the group’s PR plan. The plan includes an extensive campaign to place opinion columns and letters in newspapers and online media websites and to call radio phone-in programmes.102 Graham Readfearn. “Climate Sceptic Group Reveals Strategy Document to Win Hearts and Minds,” Desmog, June 29, 2011.

The document says:103 “Winning Hearts and Minds to Climate and Energy Reality: ICSC’s Strategic Plan” (PDF), International Climate Science Coalition, June 12, 2011. PDF Archived at Demsmog.

For rational public policy to triumph in spite of the powerful obstacles we face will require that the vast majority of the public and opinion leaders from across the political spectrum come to regard man-made global warming fears as unfounded and regularly say that it is unfounded.

Elsewhere in the document, Harris writes:104 “Winning Hearts and Minds to Climate and Energy Reality: ICSC’s Strategic Plan” (PDF), International Climate Science Coalition, June 12, 2011. PDF Archived at Demsmog.

To avoid electricity brown-outs, then black-outs, fuel shortages and soaring costs, we must derail the climate change scaremongering that is driving these dangerous trends. If we don’t, unemployment will rise quickly as companies and governments face debilitating energy costs. Collateral economic damage will be most severe in rural areas that are already seriously challenged. Reduced funding for education, health care, defense, science and worthwhile environmental programs will follow, eventually threatening national security.

June 8, 2010

Tom Harris and The International Climate Science Coalition created “The Climate Scientists’ Register.” Signatories to the open letter agree to the following statement:105ICSC INVITES ENDORSERS TO ‘THE CLIMATE SCIENTISTS’ REGISTER’,” International Climate Science Coalition, June 8, 2010. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/O2IyC

“We, the undersigned, having assessed the relevant scientific evidence, do not find convincing support for the hypothesis that human emissions of carbon dioxide are causing, or will in the foreseeable future cause, dangerous global warming.”

According to ICSC, “For sensible climate policy to triumph, it will require that the vast majority of the public come to regard human caused climate catastrophe concerns as unfounded. This can only happen if we quickly ‘expand the tent’ of supporters of sound, science-based climate policies to include citizens of many different political persuasions, social philosophies and commercial interests. The Climate Scientists’ Register does just that by focusing solely on the most important of the climate science topics under debate – is human produced carbon dioxide leading to dangerous global warming, or not?”106WHY DO WE NEED THE CLIMATE SCIENTISTS’ REGISTER?” International Climate Science Coalition. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/MOUJB#selection-298.3-319.49

A list of the Register’s 143 endorsers is available here.107CLIMATE SCIENTISTS’ REGISTER ENDORSERS,” International Climate Science Coalition. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/JND13

March 4, 2008

Harris’s ICSC promotes the Manhattan Declaration which states that “global warming is not a global crisis” and that “there is no convincing evidence that CO2 emissions from modern industrial activity has in the past, is now, or will in the future cause catastrophic climate change.”108Manhattan Declaration on Climate Change,” The International Climate Science Coalition. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/fxAOo

The declaration was agreed at the Heartland Institute’s 2008 International Conference on Climate Change.

March 3, 2008

Harris a speaker at Heartland Institute‘s first International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC1) in New York. In his speech, Harris discussed “information sharing” and “coordinated local activism” for climate change skeptics. See video of his presentation below:109 “First International Conference on Climate Change, Program,” (PDF) Heartland Institute. Archived January 9, 2018, Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/kCVaF

November 7, 2006

Some suggest that Tom Harris has edited the Wikipedia page for the Natural Resources Stewardship Project to remove his connection to the High Park Group.110 Tim Lambert. “Now Really Secret Payments,” Deltoid, November 7, 2006. Archived February 14, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/b0jrr

Harris also made numerous attempts to modify the information on his SourceWatch page as well as the SourceWatch pages for the Natural Resources Stewardship Project and Friends of Science.111User Contributions for Tom Harris,” Sourcewatch. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/XPmTf

November 2006

Tom Harris posted comments on numerous blogs and websites criticizing the CBC’s documentary, The Denial Machine.112 Richard Littlemore. “NRSP Director a ‘Freelance Writer’ for Hire,” Desmog, November 21, 2006.

2004

Tom Harris was one of three Canadians “part of a network of academics receiving monthly payments from the Chicago-based Heartland Institute as part of its advocacy work to cast doubt on scientific evidence linking human activity to global warming observed in recent decades,” according to a report from Postmedia News‘ Mike De Souza.113Feds discreet about foreign funding of climate skeptics,” Postmedia News, March 12, 2012. Archived November 7, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/NpD2M

Harris’ previous work as a public relations consultant, funded by the oil and gas industry, yielded “a video attacking the Kyoto Protocol and peer-reviewed scientific literature linking human activity to climate change,” using “research accounts” from the University of Calgary. Talisman Energy, an Alberta-based energy company, donated $175,000 toward the project, which is titled “Research on the Climate-Change Debate.”114Feds discreet about foreign funding of climate skeptics,” Postmedia News, March 12, 2012. Archived November 7, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/NpD2M

Madhav Khandekar was among the other Canadians mentioned in the internal financial records as having receiving funds from the Heartland Institute. Khandekar wrote that there was “nothing secret about it,” receiving a $1,000 per month stipend from Heartland, “for doing the literature review and providing commentaries on the website.”115Feds discreet about foreign funding of climate skeptics,” Postmedia News, March 12, 2012. Archived November 7, 2014. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/NpD2M

Affiliations

The International Climate Science Coalition

Harris is the executive director of the International Climate Science Coalition (ICSC). The Coalition is an organization of scientists, economists and policy experts who have united to promote a better public understanding of climate science. In particular, the International Climate Science Coalition offers an alternative to science projections and policy recommendation of the United Nations’ International Panel on Climate Change.121WHO WE ARE,” International Climate Science Coalition. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/8bHuD 122ICSC Mission Statement,” International Climate Science Coalition. Archived April 23, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/Mhk4W

The ICSC regularly publishes information denying the theory of anthropogenic (man-made) global warming. Its science and policy advisory boards are staffed by many well-known climate change deniers including:123WHO WE ARE,” International Climate Science Coalition. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/8bHuD

High Park Group

Harris was the Director of Operations of the Ottawa office of the High Park Group until October, 2006. The High Park Group is a lobbying organization for the energy industry.124Our Team,” High Park Group. Archived July 1, 2006. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/trsHm

Harris has attempted to remove this fact from the NRSP entry on Wikipedia and Sourcewatch. He also clarified that he no longer worked at High Park Group in a comment on Deltoid.125 Page van der Linden. “Tom Harris Pops Up Down Under,” Desmog, July 2, 2008. 126 Tim Lambert. “Now Really Secret Payments,” Deltoid, November 7, 2006. Archived February 14, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/b0jrr

His by-line in some Canada Free Press articles, called him “a mechanical engineer and Executive Director of the Natural Resources Stewardship Project,” not mentioning his HPG affiliation. But in articles published in the Windsor Star, Vancouver Sun, the Hawaii Reporter and even another in Canada Free Press, Harris is listed as “a mechanical engineer and Ottawa director of High Park Group, a public affairs and public policy company.”127 Tom Harris. “Climate change policy in Canada: are the scientific assumptions sound?Canada Free Press, June 4, 2006. Archived September 14, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/FdiVZ 128Scientists call for ‘reality check’ on climate change,The Windsor Star, June 5, 2006. Archived October 25, 2012. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/qrNvy 129Environmental Heresy,” Gmane Newsgroups. Archived July 7, 2014 with Archive.is. 130 Tom Harris. “Scientists Respond to Al Gore’s Warnings of Climate Catastrophe: ‘The Inconvenient Truth’ is Indeed Inconvenient to Alarmists,” Hawaii Reporter, June 14, 2006. Archived June 26, 2006. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/b8ez8 131 Tom Harris. “Gore’s Bad Science,” Canada Free Press, June 15, 2006. Republished at Frontpagemag.com. Archived September 15, 2016. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/pRDEO

Harris’s connection has been removed from the High Park Group website, and archived records have also been deleted according to SourceWatch.132Tom Harris,” SourceWatch Profile.

APCO Worldwide

In 2005, Harris was listed as an “associate” for the public relations firm APCO Worldwide, with his areas of expertise being communications; science; technology; energy and environment.133Our Team,” High Park Group. Archived July 1, 2006. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/trsHm

APCO was hired by Philip Morris in 1993 to create a front group titled The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition (TASSC). TASSC manufactured a public relations campaign with the purpose of discrediting any science that suggested tobacco increased cancer and heart problems. It also advocated industry-friendly positions on global warming and pesticides. TASSC labeled environmentalists as promoting “junk science” while the Coalition advocated what they describe as “sound science.”134The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition,” Sourcewatch.

Apart from Philip Morris, APCO also received funding from Chevron, ExxonMobil (at least $30,000), Dow Chemical, the National Pest Control Association, 3M, and numerous tobacco and oil companies.135The Advancement of Sound Science Coalition,” Sourcewatch. 136 EXXONSECRETS FACTSHEET: THE ADVANCEMENT OF SOUND SCIENCE COALITION, TASSC. Accessed September, 2016.

The Natural Resource Stewardship Project (NRSP)

Harris was formerly the Executive Director for the now-defunct Canadian lobby group called the “Natural Resource Stewardship Project” (NRSP).137NRSP People,” Natural Resources Stewardship Project. Archived February 13, 2007. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/2dBsA

Two of the three directors on the board of the Natural Resources Stewardship Project were also senior executives of the High Park Advocacy Group, a Toronto-based lobby firm that specializes in “energy, environment and ethics.”138Our Team,” High Park Group. Archived July 1, 2006. Archive.is URL: https://archive.is/trsHm

The NRSP was also home to the prolific climate change skeptic Dr. Tim Ball.

Social Media

Publications

According to a search of Google Scholar, Tom Harris has not published any articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Other Resources

Resources

Related Profiles

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