Overview
This lecture features Emeritus Professor Ian Plimer discussing climate change skepticism, the risks of carbon sequestration in the Great Artesian Basin, and the ongoing debate on energy sources in Australia.
Professor Plimer's Background and Publications
- Ian Plimer is a prominent Australian geologist and author of over 120 scientific papers and 14 public books.
- His books "Green Murder" and "Heaven and Earth" critically examine climate change and energy policy.
- Plimer's books are published by Connor Court, a publisher known for conservative and religious works.
Correspondence with Prince Philip
- Plimer sent his climate change books to Prince Philip, who shared skepticism about climate change.
- Prince Philip discussed concerns over wind turbines and environmental policies.
The Great Artesian Basin Campaign
- The Great Artesian Basin covers 22% of Australia and is vital for agriculture, irrigation, and drinking water.
- A proposal aimed to sequester CO2 by injecting it into the Basin's precipice sandstone aquifer.
- Farmers and scientists objected, citing risks of water acidification and toxic element dissolution.
- Plimer argued that CO2 could escape via fractures, potentially causing catastrophic gas eruptions similar to Lake Nyos in Cameroon.
- The plan was dropped due to widespread opposition.
Fossil Fuels, CO2, and Climate Change
- Fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) have provided over 80% of global energy for more than 100 years.
- Plimer claims there is no correlation between fossil fuel use, CO2 emissions, and historical temperature changes.
- Developing countries increase coal use to improve living standards, with no observed climate impact, according to Plimer.
- He asserts that most atmospheric CO2 is naturally occurring, and increasing CO2 dissolves mostly in the oceans.
- Plimer disputes that human CO2 emissions drive climate change, citing lack of scientific consensus.
Ice Ages and Atmospheric CO2
- Six major ice ages occurred when atmospheric CO2 levels were much higher than today.
- Plimer argues this historical evidence contradicts the idea that CO2 causes global warming.
- In science, theories must be consistent with evidence from multiple fields (coherence criterion).
Nuclear Energy and Renewable Debate
- Plimer supports nuclear energy as a reliable power source, criticizing renewable energy for dependence on subsidies.
- He claims opposition to nuclear energy is politically motivated to protect subsidies.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Great Artesian Basin — A massive underground aquifer covering 22% of Australia.
- Carbon sequestration — Storing CO2 underground to reduce atmospheric emissions.
- Lake Nyos — A volcanic crater lake in Cameroon where a sudden CO2 release caused mass fatalities.
- Coherence criterion — Scientific principle that theories must agree with evidence from all relevant fields.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read Professor Plimer's "Green Murder" for in-depth analysis.
- Review recent data on global energy sources and CO2 trends for context.
- Consider perspectives on nuclear vs. renewable energy for further debate.