Skeptical environmentalist wants us to chill

Bjorn Lomborg, the "skeptical environmentalist," will present a free lecture tonight at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium at 7 p.m.

Lomborg, a controversial political scientist from Denmark, does not dispute that the planet is hotter and getting more so. What he takes issue with is the panicky response he believes he sees in the general discussion and debate over global warming.

Known as a kind of anti Al Gore and "an essential check and balance to runaway environmental excitement" (U.K.'s Guardian), Lomborg will put forward his ideas on how best to deal with a warming planet.

Lomborg will speak about how we need to cool our conversation on global warming and find smarter solutions for the planet," said his publicist. "Yes, global warming is a problem, created by burning fossil fuels, but its consequences are often vastly overstated and portrayed almost exclusively one-sidedly. This contributes to panic but is unlikely to make for sensible policy solutions. Lomborg shows us how we need to increase (Research and Development) in non-carbon-emitting energy sources, but also realize that if our goal is not just to cut emissions but actually to do good, there are many better ways than CO2 reductions."

Lomborg is the author of "Cool It" and "The Skeptical Environmentalist."

"The Skeptical Environmentalist"
Friday, April 18, 7 p.m.
Wendy Williamson Auditorium, UAA
Lecture and parking are free