The Disclosure of Climate Data from the Climatic Research Unit at the University of Anglia

HC 387-I, Eighth Report of Session 2009-10 - Volume I: Report, Together with Formal Minutes

Author:

House of Commons - Science and Technology Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £13.50

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In this report, 'The Disclosure of Climate Data from the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia (HC 387-I)' the Science and Technology Committee calls for the climate science community to become more transparent by publishing raw data and detailed methodologies.

On the accusations relating to Professor Phil Jones's refusal to share raw data and computer codes the Committee finds there was no systematic attempt to mislead and considers that his actions were in line with common practice in the climate science community; but those practices need to change.

The Committee welcomes the appointment of the independent Climate Change E-mails Review led by Sir Muir Russell to investigate fully the allegations against the Climate Research Unit (CRU). The Committee has not looked at the science produced by CRU and it will be for the Scientific Appraisal Panel, announced by the University on 22 March to determine whether the work of CRU has been soundly built.

Conclusions:

• On the mishandling of Freedom of Information (FoI) requests the Committee considers that much of the responsibility should lie with the University; not CRU.

• The leaked emails appear to show a culture of non-disclosure at CRU and instances where information may have been deleted to avoid disclosure, particularly to climate change sceptics.

• Failure of the University to grasp fully the potential damage this could do and did was regrettable.

• UEA needs to reassess how it can support academics whose expertise in FoI requests is limited.

Extent	59 pages	ISBN	9780215553362
Size	A4	Price	£13.50
Format	Paperback	Published	31 Mar 2010
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges