James Lovelock, 92, a scientist best known for his Gaia theory and dire projections about the impacts of global climate change, recently described his past position on climate change as being “alarmist”. He continues to advocate greenhouse gas reductions, but has backed away from stronger predictions and begun to advocate for the United Kingdom to make great use of natural gas in its energy mix.

Other prominent thinkers, including physicist Richard Muller and economist Bjorn Lomborg, have recently shifted their claims about climate change. Both Muller and Lomborg have adopted positions accepting the science behind climate change and recommending action.

What is the trajectory of climate change discourse? Is scientific certainty enough to move the public and policy makers on climate change? How does climate change dialogue impact energy policy?