National Wildlife Federation Seizes Opportunity to Raise Funds, Not Promote Good Science

Published December 16, 2004

(Chicago, IL) On December 15, the National Wildlife Federation issued a statement warning global warming is endangering wildlife in North America.

Dr. Jay Lehr, science director at The Heartland Institute, had the following comment on yesterday’s announcement:

“The National Wildlife Federation has lost all credibility with its report on the impact of global warming on wildlife.

“I was once a member of that organization, and I remain a passionate protector of wildlife. I live in a log cabin in the woods and feed the deer, geese, and other critters that call me ‘neighbor.’ And in all honesty, I probably care a tad more about defenseless critters than about people. Five dogs, four cats, and 80 fish occupy my home and get first-class citizen treatment.

“However, I am also a scientist, an expert on climate change and its impact on life on this planet.

“There are a number of problems with the NWF report. First and foremost, one cannot make a serious case for any climate change that is more than incrementally slow–which allows for easy adaptation by all of God’s creatures. Secondly, NWF’s predictions are based on absurd assumptions that cannot withstand serious scientific scrutiny.

“It is a terrible shame that a once-great organization that stood tall as a protector of wildlife has now sold-out to the shrieking environmental alarmists whose goal is not to protect the environment as much as it is to stifle man’s progress and send us back to a collectivist society where any hope of improving the human condition is lost.

“I am certain NWF sees its flawed report as a great fundraising opportunity. I simply hope more lovers of wildlife like myself see through this heinous ploy and withhold their support.”


Dr. Jay Lehr ([email protected]) is science director of The Heartland Institute and editor of several leading scientific reference books, including McGraw-Hill’s Handbook on Environmental Science, Health and Technology.


The Heartland Institute is a national nonprofit organization based in Chicago. Founded in 1984, its goal is to help build social movements in support of ideas that empower people. It is supported by approximately 1,500 donors and Members. No corporate donor gives more than 5 percent of its annual budget. For more information, call Nicholas Tyszka at 312/377-4000, or email him at [email protected].