Response by Julian Morris to "Pundits who contest climate change should tell us who is paying them", by George Monbiot, The Guardian, 26 September 2006

The following letter was submitted to The Guardian by IPN\'s Executive Director Julian Morris. The version of the letter published on Thursday, 28 September 2006 by The Guardian was edited without the author's consent or approval.

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Sir

Instead of addressing our concerns, such as the harm that would be done to the poor if swingeing restrictions were imposed on emissions of greenhouse gases, George Monbiot ("Pundits who contest climate change should tell us who is paying them", Comment, September 26) seeks to impugn my reputation and that of the organisation I direct, International Policy Network (IPN).

IPN is a charity which seeks to improve public understanding of the role of the institutions of the free society - and threats to those institutions. IPN's staff members are committed to this mission and work for modest pay in its pursuit. IPN adheres to a strict code of independence and, contrary to Monbiot's claim, does not lobby.

Monbiot claims that we say what we say because we receive support from businesses. This is false. Most of our more than 200 donors are individuals. We also accept support from foundations and businesses, but we do not accept funding from government or political parties. We conceive and implement our own projects. Our donors have no influence on what we say or how we say it.

As for me: I co-authored my first published paper about climate change in 1993/4. I was not paid for that publication, though payment would have made no difference to what I wrote. My motivation was a concern that the public discussion of climate issues was unjustifiably biased towards alarmism and 'solutions' that would be counterproductive. Climate science has improved considerably since 1994. However, alarmism and associated policies remain unjustified. We need a more open debate about the science of climate change and the policies that might be pursued to address it. Constructive thoughts on these matters are welcome no matter their origin. Who knows, maybe even George Monbiot will make a useful suggestion.

Yours faithfully,

Julian Morris

Executive Director

International Policy Network London