“The least Columbia University can do is to invite leading scholars on the non-alarmist side to present the case for CO2/climate optimism. For the students … for civil debate … for good public policy.”
I like Lisa Sachs although I have never met her. The director of the Columbia Center for Sustainable Investing allows my challenging comments rather than cancel me like many other climate academics on the Progressive Left. And I can score some points to let the alarmists/activists know that they are short-changing the learning process if not reality itself.
This is a new era of debate about all things climate and energy. Columbia University might well be one of the last bastions of alarmism/activism, like the New York Times. But here comes the loyal opposition ….
I have debated Lisa Sachs before. Here is our latest exchange for the record.
Sachs: I am *remarkably* impressed with our Columbia University students for the extraordinary Columbia hashtag#Africa Conference they have organized on September 19-20, 2025. They have curated an incredible program, including dozens of remarkable African leaders in technology, music, government, sports, innovation, design and more. Truly impressive….
Bradley: Africa remains so poor from the wrong institutions. Statism is the model. Fundamental reform with private property rights, voluntary exchange, and the rule of law–and saying ‘no’ to climate policies imposed by the global elites (more statism)– is the opportunity. Any sessions or debate on this?
Sachs: The extraordinary expertise of these African students and leaders is what will lead and shape the debate.
Bradley: That begs the question about whether they have been indoctrinated by climate alarmism (who taught them?) and whether they are unschooled in classical liberalism. I fear the worst, but the times are changing against this one-sidedness. Lisa, will there be open debate on the fundamental core issues?
Sachs: Suggesting that these leaders are ‘indoctrinated’ says far more about your assumptions than about their expertise. I’d also appreciate if you stop using my posts for this. There are surely better forums for the debates you want to have.
Bradley: Have the students received first-class training on the case for CO2/climate optimism? If not, there is a case for indoctrination. You could probably find out for us.
Are any of the guest students arguing that Africa needs less statism and more economic freedom, as in a real free-market based on secure property rights? That Africa needs first-class energies, not dilute, intermittent, fragile, expensive wind and solar?
These are fair questions for any such conference at a leading public university. Debate, don’t assume, climate alarmism and forced energy transformation.
This was the end of the exchange with the ball in her court. I will keep trying. The least Columbia University can do is to invite leading scholars on the non-alarmist side to present the case for CO2/climate optimism. For the students … for civil debate … for good public policy.