Pressure group the Scottish Climate and Energy Forum (SCEF) claims a briefing given to MSPs misquoted a report into the economic cost of climate change, although the Scottish Government maintains the threat cannot be ignored.
In the briefing, issued in December 2008, MSPs were told that temperatures rising by just 2 to 3 degrees celsius would lead to a global reduction in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 5%-20%.
However, SCEF chairman Mike Haseler said the Stern Review — seen as one of the most authoritative studies into the possible financial implications of unchecked climate change — said such a change would only reduce GDP by up to 3%, if at all.
The Courier article appears to have been taken down. No explanation as yet.