Al Gore wades into British Antarctic row

[cal04]

Former US vice-president joins scientists in battle over controversial merger plans
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/gore-wades-into-british-antarctic-row-8200812.html

(snip)
Controversial plans to merge the BAS and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), to save money, were revealed by this paper in April. Since then, scientists and politicians have said the move could seriously compromise scientific work in the Antarctic and weaken the British presence in the region.

The Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc), which funds the BAS and the NOC, last month laid out its plans in a consultation document with the proposal to create a single centre for marine and polar science, likely to be based in Southampton. But scientists in both organisations remain hugely sceptical as to whether the merger will save money or improve scientific output.

(snip)
Mr Gore wrote: "From my personal knowledge, the BAS is a globally significant organisation... In my view retaining the core elements of the BAS, integrated into a single unit with strong leadership, is of supreme importance, both as a UK national and international asset."

His letter comes as leading scientists spoke out this weekend. Sir Martin Holdgate, one of the UK's most distinguished scientists and a former member of the Nerc Council, said the lack of financial plans in the consultation was a "piece of breath-taking deviousness". "The more I consider the matter," he said in a written response, "the more I am convinced the two institutes should remain apart."

[Nye Bevan]

1. OK. Now *that's* wonky. (nt)