As Thatcher understood, true Tories cannot be climate change deniers | John Gummer

With climate sceptics moving to the White House, it's crucial the US right recognises free markets are uncomfortable for incumbents but essential

Conservatives cannot properly be climate deniers. At the heart of their political stance is a desire to hand on something better to the future than they have received from the past. Now that climate science is so clear, a recognition of the duty to act to protect the next generation follows naturally. Of course, Conservatives have been somewhat cautious. Constitutionally, they don't chase after novelty and it's in their character to question fashionable theories.

So we shouldn't be surprised at the genesis of Margaret Thatcher's commitment to fighting climate change. As a Conservative she wasn't a pushover, but as a scientist, she rigorously tested the science and was convinced. Once convinced she saw the imperative to act, and that made her the first leader of a major economy to commit to the Rio Earth Summit. In turn, it was her influence that brought George Bush to the table.