WRI Welcomes Decision Rebuking 'The Skeptical Environmentalist' 1/10/2003
From: Adlai Amor, 202-729-7736 Christopher Lagan, 202-729-7684 both of the World Resources Institute http://newsroom.wri.org WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 -- The World Resources Institute (WRI) today commented on the decision by a committee of Danish scientists which ruled that Bjorn Lomborg's book The Skeptical Environmentalist is scientifically dishonest. "Environmental challenges are complex and real, and we need an accurate assessment of those challenges if we are to find workable global solutions," said Dr. Allen Hammond, vice president for innovation of the World Resources Institute. "This finding affirms that need." The decision by the Danish Committees on Scientific Dishonesty of the Danish Research Agency was released early this week after a six-month investigation. Their full decision reads: "Objectively speaking, the publication of the work under consideration is deemed to fall within the concept of scientific dishonesty. In view of the subjective requirements made in terms of intent or gross negligence, however, Bjorn Lomborg's publication cannot fall within the bounds of this characterization. Conversely, the publication is deemed clearly contrary to the standards of good scientific practice." Five scientists filed three cases against Bjorn Lomborg for scientific dishonesty arising from his book, The Skeptical Environmentalist, published in 2001 by the Cambridge University Press. The complaints accused Lomborg "of fabricating data, selectively and surreptitious discarding unwanted results, of the deliberately misleading use of statistical methods, consciously distorted interpretation of the conclusions, plagiarization of others' results or publication, and the deliberate misrepresentation of others' results." Lomborg is currently the director of the Danish Institute for Environmental Assessment, which reviews government spending on environmental programs. More information on this controversy is available at http://www.wri.org/wri/press/mk_lomborg.html ------ The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org/wri) is an environmental research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people's lives. |