Recent controversy over the handling of climate data has been seized upon by those intent on preserving their own financial interests, with potentially catastrophic results for us all. The upsurge in doubt among the general public is concerning - but it is lack of understanding that allows doubt and fear to thrive. What messages best help the man in the pub see the sense in tackling climate change?

The recriminations for the failure of the Copenhagen Climate Change summit to deliver a more robust deal on CO2 reductions are continuing in earnest.  Ed Miliband has, like President Obama, blamed China.  Environmental commentator George Monbiot has in turn blamed the US Senate.  Someone, somewhere will definitely be blaming Canada.  They always do.

Yet, it’s possible that the real reasons are far less obvious, than the current identity parade suggests.

It’s possible that Copenhagen failed for the simple reason that none of the delegates from the 192 countries represented, were truly able to represent the interests of the earth.  Even if the delegates were genuinely concerned about the facts of climate change, that doesn’t mean they were deeply concerned for the continuity of all life on earth.