DeSmogCAST 8: Oilsands Tailings Ponds, UK Drilling Imperative and Skeptics vs. Deniers

onJan 16, 2015 @ 04:00 PST

In today’s January 15, 2015 episode DeSmogCAST host Farron Cousins joins DeSmoggers Carol Linnitt, Kyla Mandel, and Mike Gaworecki to discuss Canada’s efforts to prevent a NAFTA-led investigation into the management of Alberta’s oilsands tailings ponds.

We also discuss a clause in the UK‘s new Infrastructure Bill that mandates efforts to “maximize economic recovery of UK petroleum” and what that means for the nation’s climate policy.

Lastly we discuss recent developments in the denier/skeptics debate and a recent open letter to media, calling on journalists to reserve the favourable term ‘skeptic’ for those engaged in truly scientific critical investigation.

To read more about these topics, check out these stories covered in today’s episode:

Canada’s Fight Against NAFTA Investigation of Oilsands Tailings Get Political, Wins Allies

Calls For Media To Accurately Label Climate Deniers Growing Louder

Duty to Maximise Oil and Gas a ‘Dangerous Addition’ to the Infrastructure Bill

New Infrastructure Bill Puts UK Climate Ambition at Risk

DeSmogCAST is a weekly online show that features DeSmog writers, experts and guests covering breaking news and in-depth analysis on politics, energy and environment issues in the U.S., Canada and around the world.

By Carol Linnitt

Pennsylvania Town Votes Buzzer-Beater ‘No’ on Data Center Mega-Project

ByEdward Donnelly

onMar 31, 2026 @ 08:36 PDT

After months of protests — and a rushed legal deadline — officials deny Texas developer’s project as residents warn of pollution and impacts on wildlife, water, and power.