Decline of the UK’s Leading Climate Science Denial Group: The Global Warming Policy Foundation

Decreasing Revenue and Financial Struggles

The Global Warming Policy Foundation (GWPF), the UK’s prominent climate science denial group, has faced substantial financial challenges in recent years. Its latest financial records reveal a significant drop in income, totaling £280,000 for the year ending September 2023, marking a £110,000 decrease from the previous year. The foundation’s total annual losses also escalated from £17,000 to over £150,000 during this period.

Membership fees remained steady, yet donations witnessed a notable decline, falling from £346,000 to £201,000. This financial downturn is particularly striking when compared to the GWPF’s income peak of £426,000 in 2019, resulting in total earnings of £2.8 million since 2015.

Controversial Beliefs and Lack of Transparency

The GWPF has garnered criticism for its denial of climate change, asserting that it is not a crisis and that carbon dioxide is beneficial to the planet. These views starkly contradict the findings of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which emphasizes human influence on global warming and the urgency of reducing emissions to mitigate its impacts.

Concerns have also been raised about the GWPF’s establishment of a subsidiary, Net Zero Watch, to engage in non-charitable lobbying efforts while the GWPF maintains its charitable status. The Good Law Project has called for an investigation into this financial relationship, alleging that the GWPF funds Net Zero Watch’s political activities, potentially blurring the lines between charitable and political endeavors.

Political Affiliations and Influence

The GWPF’s connections to conservative politics have become increasingly apparent. Net Zero Watch appointed Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns as a director, while former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson joined the GWPF board. These individuals have expressed skepticism about climate change and advocated for continued reliance on fossil fuels.

The GWPF’s chairman, Jerome Booth, anticipates growing public frustration with net zero targets and intends to provide a counterbalance in the public debate. His stance aligns with the Conservative government’s recent actions to weaken net zero policies, such as delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles and scrapping energy efficiency regulations.

Weakening of Net Zero Policies by the Conservative Government

The Conservative government’s approach to climate change has shifted in recent years, with a noticeable weakening of net zero policies. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated that the UK will meet its net zero targets, but in a more pragmatic way that does not burden working people. However, a court case found that the government’s plans only account for 95% of the reductions needed to meet net zero targets, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to climate action.

Public opinion appears to favor stronger climate action, with a majority believing the government is not taking a lead on climate change. This disconnect between government policy and public sentiment could potentially lead to further challenges for the GWPF and other climate science denial groups.

Financial Support from Fossil Fuel Interests

Previous investigations by DeSmog have revealed significant financial support from fossil fuel interests and climate science deniers to the Conservative Party. Two-thirds of the directors in charge of the party’s endowment fund have financial ties to oil, gas, and highly polluting industries. This raises questions about the influence of these interests on the government’s climate policies and the potential conflicts of interest that may arise.

Conclusion

The GWPF’s declining income and financial struggles reflect the increasing marginalization of climate science denial groups. As public awareness of the climate crisis grows and the urgency of action becomes more evident, the GWPF’s outdated views and lack of transparency are becoming increasingly untenable. Continued scrutiny and public awareness of the influence of fossil fuel interests on climate policy are crucial for promoting evidence-based decision-making and ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.