'I don't believe in the CO2 theory'

Touting the Volt, GM exec denies anthropogenic climate change 9

GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz was on the "Colbert Report" last night to talk about the new Chevy Volt, but a lot of the conversation ended up being about whether or not Lutz believes in anthropogenic climate change.

Colbert, on the Volt: "This is tantamount to admitting that we have to do something about global warming, sir. You are capitulating with the enemy. Why not just call this the Chevy Gore? You don't believe global warming is real. You've said so."

Lutz: "I accept that the planet is heated, but like many noted scientists I don't believe in the CO2 theory."

Colbert, continuing his shtick, suggests that it's "just sunspot activity."

Lutz: "In the opinion of about 32,000 of the world's leading scientists, yes."

Watch it:

Kate Sheppard is Grist’s political reporter.

Related Stories

Advertisement
Advertisement

  1. Russ Posted 2:12 am
    18 Sep 2008

    schizophrenia"What do I do? What do I do?
    If I say global warming is real, that might further hurt our SUV sales!
    But I'm supposed to be here promoting the Volt! And if I say global warming's not real, I might hurt that!
    What do I do? What's our business model again? I sure hope the government bails us out!
    Free market! Free market!
    Hummers! Volt!
    What do I do?...."
    (Sound of head exploding, balance sheet imploding.)

    Permalink

  2. Biodiversivist's avatar

    Biodiversivist Posted 2:29 am
    18 Sep 2008

    America needs leadersLutz is an example of what is wrong with American industry. "32,000 of the world's leading scientists ..." The man does not know what he is doing or saying. He hasn't an innovative bone in his body. He has clawed his way to the head of a line of yes man that winds over the horizon. He is supposed to be touting the Volt. Instead he's killing it. Somebody needs to lead a mutiny and get Captain Lutz off the talk show circuit.
    I saw him interviewed on a talk show last night. Same story. No doubt the Earth is warming. We didn't cause it. We can't do anything about it. He said that last time he expressed his views on global warming the bloggers tore him a new one (my term, not his).
    Here is his Ford counterpart (who got $28 million for four months of work last year). His big idea upon taking over the CEO position was to stick the (discontinued) Taurus logo on one of their cars, and it wasn't even his idea.
    Consumers need to continue to tell these pompous asses what to do, not the other way around. If they don't listen, their crews should mutiny.

    In the end, it all comes down to biodiversity. Poison Darts--Protecting the biodiversity of our world

    Permalink

  3. smuzzy Posted 5:40 am
    18 Sep 2008

    That's funnyWow,
    Colbert never ceases to amaze me with his wit and satire. He made Lutz look really bad on national television!
    Nice work

    Permalink

  4. decanio Posted 7:33 am
    18 Sep 2008

    Who killed the electric car?With commitment like this the Volt could go the way of the EV1.

    Permalink

  5. Biodiversivist's avatar

    Biodiversivist Posted 9:30 am
    18 Sep 2008

    Colbert did a good job of poking fun without beingmean spirited. Lutz did OK also. He was defensive at first but loosened up and actually seemed to be enjoying himself there toward the end.

    In the end, it all comes down to biodiversity. Poison Darts--Protecting the biodiversity of our world

    Permalink

  6. racc Posted 9:59 am
    18 Sep 2008

    All PR and SpinThe Volt is only a PR move. GM obviously does not care about the environment at all. The only reason why they are building this thing at all is due to the high cost of gas and to try and greenwash their image.
    Don't buy it.

    Permalink

  7. Delay And Deny's avatar

    Delay And Deny Posted 11:15 am
    18 Sep 2008

    But Who Helps More

    The irony is that Al Gore, who talks big about Global Warming has done zero to reduce Co2.
    Bob Lutz and George Bush, meanwhile, have put in place the technologies like hydrogen fuel cells that can reduce CO2 emissions.

    Permalink

  8. racc Posted 2:02 pm
    18 Sep 2008

    Bush and Lutz are the ProblemBush and Lutz have fought higher emission standards which are the best way to reduce emissions. If Bush and Lutz thought that the technology would work and people would buy it, why would they fight higher standards?

    Permalink

  9. GreyFlcn Posted 3:03 pm
    18 Sep 2008

    re: Coby BeckFirst off,

    I'd just like to point out that it kicks ass that Coby Beck has started back up with his "How to Talk to a Skeptic" series.
    Lutz: "In the opinion of about 32,000 of the world's leading scientists, yes."
    That said THIS, is perhaps the thing most needed to cover ASAP.  Since this is what you usually see tossed around, even though it's BS.

    http://mediamatters.org/items/200706060009
    (Here's some of my own personal scribbles on climate science in general, if that helps)

    http://greyfalcon.net/climate.zip

    -David Ahlport

    Permalink

Add a Comment

You are not logged in. Thus, you cannot post a comment. If you have an account, log in. If you don't have an account, well, by all means go make one! Meet you back here in five.

Hello, Visitor!    Why not register?

Viewed
More
Commented
More
Advertisement