The Atheist
Psychopath
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2006
- Messages
- 37,990
Maybe this should be in the CT section?
New Zealand's top climatologist and a world-renowned figure in climate change research has been sacked from his job as head of NIWA. (National Institute of Water & Atmospherics)
The reason given - that Jim spoke to media without permission is indescribably stupid. Or, it's indescribably stupid in a place where I can't resort to four-letter words.
Salinger has for years been the face of climatology in New Zealand, and he is an extremely open bloke. His style has always been to give an honest question an honest answer, so the charge is fake. He has thousands of examples of precedent, where nothing has been said and no action taken.
Even worse, the idea that the CEO of an organisation which works internationally needing to ring his political masters to talk to any representative from the media is absurd. It is the Soviet Union, circa 1968. (or an attempt to silence someone)
There is another interesting facet in play with the timing of his dismissal. The new National Government raises the question of whether this is a policy from the halls of the Beehive.
Far be it from me to conspiracise, but the governing National Party has only 58 seats in a 122-seat Parliament, and to make up the difference and give them a clear majority, their main coalition partner is ACT, with 5 seats. ACT has long been sceptical and critical of climate change science, to the degree that its leader, Rodney Hide, says on his official website:
His opinion is blatantly - "I don't believe the science, and even if it's true, it's not NZ's problem."
National has clearly accepted Hyde's position to gain his votes in Parliament, with a clear signal that it no intention of trying to meet Kyoto protocols, and using the recession as a means of trying to get those paltry numbers lowered anyway.
Fortunately, I see that Jim is taking legal action, but I doubt he'll be reinstated.
Whether or not Jim Salinger's sacking is politically-inspired or just Public Service stupidity, if John Key and National want to retain integrity in government, they will need to roll some heads in the corridors of power and reinstate Jim immediately.
I have $10 on that not happening.
New Zealand's top climatologist and a world-renowned figure in climate change research has been sacked from his job as head of NIWA. (National Institute of Water & Atmospherics)
The reason given - that Jim spoke to media without permission is indescribably stupid. Or, it's indescribably stupid in a place where I can't resort to four-letter words.
Salinger has for years been the face of climatology in New Zealand, and he is an extremely open bloke. His style has always been to give an honest question an honest answer, so the charge is fake. He has thousands of examples of precedent, where nothing has been said and no action taken.
Even worse, the idea that the CEO of an organisation which works internationally needing to ring his political masters to talk to any representative from the media is absurd. It is the Soviet Union, circa 1968. (or an attempt to silence someone)
There is another interesting facet in play with the timing of his dismissal. The new National Government raises the question of whether this is a policy from the halls of the Beehive.
Far be it from me to conspiracise, but the governing National Party has only 58 seats in a 122-seat Parliament, and to make up the difference and give them a clear majority, their main coalition partner is ACT, with 5 seats. ACT has long been sceptical and critical of climate change science, to the degree that its leader, Rodney Hide, says on his official website:
His opinion is blatantly - "I don't believe the science, and even if it's true, it's not NZ's problem."
National has clearly accepted Hyde's position to gain his votes in Parliament, with a clear signal that it no intention of trying to meet Kyoto protocols, and using the recession as a means of trying to get those paltry numbers lowered anyway.
Fortunately, I see that Jim is taking legal action, but I doubt he'll be reinstated.
Whether or not Jim Salinger's sacking is politically-inspired or just Public Service stupidity, if John Key and National want to retain integrity in government, they will need to roll some heads in the corridors of power and reinstate Jim immediately.
I have $10 on that not happening.