Reporting CO2 Levels on the Radio Might be "Inflammatory:" CBC

Below is the CBC's response to my request (please read - "'PLT' Publisher Asks for Help in Raising Awareness of  Global Warming") to report atmospheric C02 levels during their weathercasts.

=======

Greetings Mr. Powell,

  Through consulting with our meteorologist, we have determined that it would be inappropriate for us to consider a regular reporting of CO2 levels as a part of our regular weather reports, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is simple time economics in a weather-cast.  Moreover, while the concerns may be great about the rising levels of CO2, an inclusion of this number in regular reports might be perceived and received as inflammatory, compared say to the UV levels or wind chills about which a listener can actually take some immediate personal action.

  This subject is, however, something we are going to follow up on in terms of a story for one of our local radio programs.  We thank you for your interest and invite you to keep listening. 

Cheery bye,

John Sadoway

CBC Radio Winnipeg

"PLT" Publisher Asks for Help in Raising Awareness of Global Warming

 Below is a message I sent today to Marilyn Maki, (lower r.) a weather specialist and radio host at CBC in Winnipeg. Keep watching this space for her reply! l.p.

=====

Marilyn Maki,
Host, Radio Noon,
CBC Manitoba.
Dear Marilyn,

As a weather specialist, you will be aware that the science of climate change is now well-proven.

Human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), are still on the increase. And so are the earth's mean temperatures and the incidences of severe weather events.

Considering the gravity of this situation, I would ask you to consider the following:

Would you, at least periodically, report current CO2 levels in the atmosphere, as part of your weather casts?  

As you will also be aware, those levels have, for some time now, been well above 350ppm. That's the level considerd by the world's leading climatologist, James Hansen, to be safe for human habitation.

I would submit such a service would be at least as important as, say wind-chill factors or UV levels.

Hope you agree.

I'd appreciate an answer at your earliest opportunity, so I can post it on my blog.

Sincerely,
Larry Powell
Roblin, MB
www.pathslesstravelled.com

Is Canada About to Descend Into An America-Style Abyss by Cheapening Our Broadcast Regulations?

Below is my submission to the Canadian Radio, Television & Telecommunications Commission. That powerful body seems poised to grant the wishes of a parliamentary committee by loosening the rules governing truth and accuracy in broadcasting.
(Anyone detect the heavy hand of Stephen Harper in all of this? Naaaaa!) l.p.

 ==== 

  1.    Dear CRTC - I am a journalist specializing in stories about the environment, especially global warming. Your proposed changes concern me deeply because, among other things:
    2.    I fear they will provide yet another channel for climate skeptics/opportunists and fraudsters to peddle their lies and deception over a phenomenon which is real, which is happening now and which is posing a clear and present threat to this planet, not only for us but future generations, as well.
    3.    I also fear these changes would shamefully cheapen the noble profession of Canadian journalism with its long-accepted high standard of checks and balances on the truth and accuracy of reporting in the public interest.
    4.    These changes seem to prepare the way for American-style broadcasting, where kooks and cranks have free reign to inflict their poisonous lies and misinformation on the public.
    5.    I implore you - do your part in preserving Canada's proud tradition of fairness and honesty in broadcasting - PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED WITH THESE CHANGES.
    6.    Sincerely,
    7.    Larry Powell - Box 5 Grp 11 RR 1 ROBLIN - Manitoba- CA - R0L1P0

***End of document***