THE international lobby which denies the reality of climate change has seen its case bolstered recently by unfounded claims about the melt-rate of the Himalayan glaciers and alleged manipulation of data by proponents of the global warming theory.

However, even if it is accepted that the jury remains out on the extent of global warming, it is still the case that a significant majority of the world’s climate scientists detect change at a level sufficient to demand action.

There is, meanwhile, major controversy over whether detected changes are the result of natural cycles of variation or of man’s activity. Either way, the world is said by many to be on the verge of seeing drastic effects that will include a rise in sea levels and consequent flooding, more extreme weather and even catastrophic shifts in the pattern of ocean currents.

Rather counter-intuitively, if global warming is a run-away phenomenon caused by humanity and its industry’s and agriculture’s output of greenhouse gases, we are actually in a better position than if we are merely facing a cyclical change. This is because man might be capable of undoing what he has done.

Against this background, the States have adopted a reasonable stance. They have made no declaration on the existence or nature of global warming, but they have recognised that, even if only on the basis of the precautionary principle, Jersey must consider controlling the major suspect in the genesis of global warming – carbon emissions.

In accepting Deputy Daniel Wimberley’s proposition that a new energy and climate change response report should be produced by the end of the summer, 42 States Members acknowledged that this is not an issue that we can afford to ignore. If the world waits for the absolute confirmation – or rejection – of present theories, it will be too late to act.

If, in the fullness of time, present ideas are shown to be exaggerated, by taking action we shall at least have considered how to be more energy-efficient and how to control pollution. If, on the other hand, the worst predictions are well-founded, we shall have played our part in making a timely response to what will have turned out to be the most vital international initiative ever taken.

It is obvious that anything the Island does in respect of carbon emission control will pale into insignificance in comparison with what might be done by the world’s great nations. Nevertheless, morally, in terms of solidarity and on the basis that all citizens of the world are in this together, we have a part to play.