Climate change controversy

Photo: Contributed

Climate change has become a hot topic in the race for MP in the North Okanagan Shuswap riding.

Conservative candidate Mel Arnold said he's not certain human activity is the main cause of climate change on earth. 

"I don't dispute human activity is having an effect,'' he added, in an interview Tuesday.

Arnold said he's aware his view will court controversy.

Green party candidate Chris George said Arnold's view on climate change is in the minority.

"You'd likely find that nine percent of Canadians agree with his view,'' said George, pointing to 2014 polling results on climate change. "But 91 percent have a different opinion."

"It's conclusive, beyond doubt,'' said George. "At this point we know that it is fossil fuel emissions and increased carbon dioxide, that has led to global warming."

George pointed to predictions made in the 1980s and 90s that the world would suffer major droughts, storms and see polar ice melt. "It has happened quicker than what was predicted."

Arnold believes natural factors also come into play including forest fires and solar and volcanic activity.

A Canadian government website states that while "climate change can be caused by both natural processes and human activities, the recent warming has been largely attributed to human activity, primarily the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases to the atmosphere."