Friends of Science Society (FoS)
Friends of Science Society (FoS) is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 2002, dedicated to providing scientific commentary on climate change issues. Composed mainly of active and retired Earth and atmospheric scientists, engineers, and other professionals, FoS aims to engage the public and policymakers in a dialogue about the scientific underpinnings of climate change and the Kyoto Protocol. The organization challenges mainstream interpretations of climate science, particularly those presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and asserts that climate change is influenced by natural phenomena rather than solely human activity.
FoS focuses on educating the public through the dissemination of balanced and objective information, advocating for a shift in environmental priorities back to addressing air and water pollution, rather than concentrating exclusively on global warming. They promote the idea that adaptation to climate change is more effective than attempts to control it, suggesting that resources could be better allocated to more pressing global needs. The Society operates on a limited budget funded by membership dues and donations, and it emphasizes its independence from industry interests. Overall, Friends of Science Society strives to spark national and international debates regarding climate science and environmental policy.
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Friends of Science Society (FoS)
- DATE: Established 2002
Mission
An independent, education-based, nonprofit organization that provides regular scientific and factual commentary on the causes and impacts of climate change, the Friends of Science Society aims
to encourage and assist the Canadian Federal Government to re-evaluate the by engaging in a national public debate on the scientific merit of Kyoto and the global warming issue, and to educate the public through dissemination of relevant, balanced and objective technical information on this subject.
The organization, through its Internet website, offers “critical evidence that challenges the premises of [the] Kyoto [Protocol]” and highlights alternative causes of global climate change.
The Friends of Science Society, also called Friends of Science, is run by volunteers comprising mainly active and retired Earth and atmospheric scientists, engineers, and other professionals concerned about the abuse of science displayed in some of the interpretations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the politically inspired Kyoto Protocol. The organization uses a scientific advisory board made up of international climate scientists from around the world to “offer a critical mass of current science on global climate and climate change to policymakers, as well as any other interested parties.” On its website, the organization declares “We do not represent any industry group and operate on an extremely limited budget. Our operational funds are derived from membership dues and donations.”
Significance for Climate Change
The stated objectives of the Friends of Science Society are to “work to educate the public through the dissemination of relevant, balanced and objective information on climate change and to support real environmental solutions” and “to spark a national and international debate on global warming.” Members as well as non-members conduct literature research on scientific subjects related to global warming, the results of which are communicated to the public via its website and by means of newsletters.
The organization’s major environmental concern is the significant shift in recent years away from the important emphasis of previous decades on continual reductions in air and water pollution to focus almost exclusively on global warming. It claims are natural phenomena and suggests that adaptation should be emphasized rather than misguided attempts at control. Substantial funds could be saved or deployed toward more urgent needs of humanity.
"Greta's Call to "End Fossil Fuels Now" Would Not Stop Climate Change—Would Cause Deaths of Millions says Friends of Science." Cision PRWeb, 7 Sept. 2023, www.prweb.com/releases/gretas-call-to-end-fossil-fuels-now-would-not-stop-climate-change--would-cause-deaths-of-millions-says-friends-of-science-301920162.html. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
"New Friends of Science Billboard Stirs Climate Change Controversy and Challenges Greenpeace and Pembina Institute Claims on Global Warming." Cision PRWeb, 26 June 2014, www.newswire.ca/news-releases/new-friends-of-science-billboard-stirs-climate-change-controversy-and-challenges-greenpeace-and-pembina-institute-claims-on-global-warming-514555821.html. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.
"What We Do and History." Friends of Science, friendsofscience.org/about/about-us.html. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.