Respected research scientist, Dr. Vincent Gray, has published a critique of climate change 2001 and his stimulating monograph sets out to challenge the consensus view of global warming.  As the title suggests, his particular target is the 2001 reports of IPCC Working Groups I, II and III.  Dr. Gray argues that while the IPCC has provided a wealth of scientific information on climate, it has not convincingly made its case that increases in carbon dioxide levels are occurring and that increase will have harmful effects.  Among his several lines of attack are reflections on the quality and reliability of measurements, views on what weight should be given to different influences on the earth’s temperature and the validity of computer modelling in this context.

It is in fact that the “IPCC consensus” can be challenged that makes Dr. Gray’s monograph important and essential reading for all seriously interested in the environmental issues surrounding climate change and their consequences.  If he is right, or even only half-right, that the IPCC consensus relies on poor science and inadequate reasoning, then the policy decision beginning to flow from that consensus are themselves flawed too.

The question is, has Dr. Gray identified a “black hole” into which millions of public money and future research is being poured.

In the light of increased costs to the supply chain which the climate change levy has brought about, especially at a time when there is dramatic price pressure from the retailers in the supply chain, it is crucial that world leaders, European and UK Governments should consider his monograph very seriously.

There is no doubt that, although price increases are being constrained at the moment, the climate change levy, the price of fuel and other issues such as increased packaging costs and increased insurance premiums will inevitably mean higher prices to the retailers, the major caterers and ultimately consumers.

It will simply be impossible, even in the medium term, for retailers and major catering end users to resist the necessity of price increases from their suppliers, bearing in mind that wholesale distributors, cold store operators and even the companies who supply refrigerant gases such as Air Products and British Oxygen Company, are precluded from claiming the rebate which other sectors of industry are able to enjoy.  The end result must be higher prices however you work it out.