RICHARD HOADLEY AGAINST STUFF

Stuff published an article on October 16, 2023, headlined Are cargo ships to blame for 'gobsmackingly bananas' heat?

The story started by saying Earth’s magnetic field, volcanoes and nuclear weapons have all been falsely accused of causing climate change – and cargo ships could be the latest addition. The story was focussed on trying to assess the effect of a requirement, which took effect in 2020, for shipping to use cleaner low sulphur fuel and whether this would help reduce global warming.

Mr Hoadley said the article breached Principle (1) Accuracy, Fairness and Balance and disputed some of the points made in the first paragraph.

He said there were historic records and scientific reports that showed that magnetic activity due to the earth’s rotation around the sun did have an influence on climate. Volcanoes also had an effect, and this was evident after the recent underwater volcano near Tonga.

Stuff stood by its story and referred to two studies to support the claims made. It cited a NASA       report that science did not support claims that variations in Earth’s magnetic field were contributing to current global warming. It also cited a US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report that calculated human activities emit 60 or more times the amount of carbon dioxide released by volcanoes each year.

The Media Council does not believe a case has been made to show the story was inaccurate or unfair. Stuff provided links to reports showing there was reputable scientific support for statements that were challenged by Mr Hoadley.

Decision: There were insufficient grounds to proceed.