Jersey Business responds to criticism for listing climate sceptic's event

Wednesday 07 February 2024

A Government arm's-length organisation has responded to criticism for publicising a talk with an “energy expert” associated with an organisation that challenges the mainstream response to climate change.

Dr John Constable has been invited to the island by the recently formed Jersey Climate Forum, which brands itself as a “climate watchdog”, to give a talk entitled 'Lessons from Economic History – Can Wind and Solar Sustain a Modern Economy'.

It will be delivered to the public in the Town Hall on Thursday – which is listed on Jersey Business's website – and to politicians in the States Building the following morning.

The move sparked backlash from individuals who said that the public talk should not be being publicised by Jersey Business.

Among them was former Deputy Jennifer Bridge, who said that she was "very disappointed" to see Jersey Business "promoting" the event.

Very disappointed to see Jersey Business promoting a Jersey Climate Forum event. It all looks so innocuous doesn’t it? But then you find out that the proposed speaker - John Constable - is the Energy Editor of the Global Warming Policy Forum, campaign arm of the climate science…

— Jennifer Bridge MBE (@JennBridge) February 3, 2024

She continued: "It all looks so innocuous doesn't it? But then you find out that the proposed speaker – John Constable – is the Energy Editor of the Global Warming Policy Forum, campaign arm of the climate science denial group the Global Warming Policy Foundation..."

Jersey Business has since responded to say that it was not "promoting" the event, and it had merely listed it on its website among many others.

"JB endeavours to share a diverse range of events on our website, aiming for inclusivity while recognising our limitations in vetting every event," the business support organisation said.

"Our role in this event is informational only and we encourage people to do their research & engage with events that resonate with them."

JB endeavours to share a diverse range of events on our website, aiming for inclusivity while recognising our limitations in vetting every event. Our role in this event is informational only & we encourage people to do their research & engage with events that resonate with them.

— Jersey Business (@JerseyBusiness) February 5, 2024

The event is still listed on their website.

Concerns have also been raised about the briefing being given to States Members.

Reform Jersey's Deputy Catherine Curtis states that she was concerned the talk may "be based around fringe beliefs" and that holding such a talk may give "a certain legitimacy".

This group will also be giving a presentation to states members in the states building. This, I feel, gives them a certain legitimacy. I’ve raised the matter with the head of PPC and the Greffier. They are currently under investigation by the UK Charities Commission.

— Deputy Catherine Curtis (@DeputyCCurtis) February 4, 2024

"While the Jersey Climate Forum has confirmed that Dr Constable is speaking in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the Global Warming Policy Foundation, he is the energy director of that organisation, so I expect his views would align with theirs," she added.

"It doesn't seem responsible for the group to have special access to States Members."

Ted Vibert, former States Member and organiser of the event in the States Assembly building, said that he believed it was "incredible" that anyone could have a problem with the talk taking place.

Mr Vibert stressed the importance of an "expert with a totally different view point" being allowed to speak, when windfarm proposals put forward by former Environment Minister Deputy Jonathan Renouf had already progressed to consultation phase.

Pictured: Members are due to debate on proposals for a wind farm in Jersey's waters next month.

Deputy Curtis said that the Privileges and Procedures Committee – the group of politicians responsible for overseeing the running of the States Assembly – will be looking at whether guidelines are needed around the use of rooms in the States Chamber.

"The States Building belongs to the people of Jersey, and holding presentations to States Members within the States Building is something that ought to be happening all the time," Mr Vibert said.