Why the Historical Warming Numbers Matter

(Blog Post) ... let’s settle something. The world has warmed since 1850. While there always is an error bar on nearly every statement about nature, I think there is little point in questioning this past warming. There is ice core data that suggests that the little ice age, which ended some time in the very early 19th century, was perhaps the coldest period, or one of the two or three coldest periods, in the last 5000 years (ie in nearly the entire span of human ... Full Story »

Posted by Kaizar Campwala
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Subjects: World, Politics, Sci/Tech
Topics: Climate Change
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Posted by: Posted by Kaizar Campwala - Dec 11, 2009 - 9:25 AM PST
Content Type: Blog Post
Edit Lock: This story can be edited
Edited by: Kaizar Campwala - Dec 11, 2009 - 9:28 AM PST
Derek Hawkins
2.6
by Derek Hawkins - Dec. 11, 2009

The Climate Skeptic is free to question whether Earth's atmosphere is as sensitive to CO2 as many, many climate scientists say it is, but questions alone don't make for a compelling argument. What he writes here is a straw man: to make an effective case, I need an explanation of why the climate may be "tougher" than models show.

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Fabrice Florin
2.8
by Fabrice Florin - Dec. 12, 2009

This blog post from a well-known climate change skeptic outlines some of his main objections to the scientific consensus that man-made carbon emissions are causing a global warming. The author provides a detailed argument against that 'anthropogenic theory', which he claims is largely based on incorrect climate models, and assumes a higher climate sensitivity to CO2. But opposing viewpoints are presented as 'alarmist' and insufficient context is provided in this narrow view of the controversy - though the author makes an effort to not demonize scientists, as other conservative critics have done.

Nice attempt to present the opinions of climate change skeptics in a scientific-looking way. Still, none of this speculation makes up for the verifiable facts presented by credible scientists with a lot more expertise than this anonymous blogger. Their overall conclusion is that the earth is warming at an alarming rate and that this presents a serious threat to our health, economy and environment. Given the choice between rigorous practice from respected scientists and conspiracy ... More »

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Walter Cox
4.2
by Walter Cox - Dec. 12, 2009

This article explains exactly why we should take the current scientific "consensus" with a grain of salt. As we emerged from our "Little Ice Age" during the nineteenth century, we began for the first time in human history to record accurate, worldwide temperature readings, and yes the Earth has warmed during the past two-hundred years. The author explains in great detail why it may be much too hasty to assume that this warming is mostly due to human activity (specifically CO2 output), and he provides considerable empirical data to show that catastrophic global warming theory is based on improbable feedback assumptions. I was impressed that the author does not ascribe venal motives to those who have promoted the anthropogenic ... More »

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Dwight Rousu
1.7
by Dwight Rousu - Dec. 12, 2009

The article is slightly interesting in showing the thinking of a skeptic with a slightly greater amount of data referenced than is seen in the usual blather. As an extreme minority view in the world of climate science, a peer review by a more respected scientist would be useful in dissecting the arguments he has put forward.

The oceans have always been a carbon sink that provided a mediating influence. The impact of record high ocean acidification currently would be interesting to include in the feedback discussion.

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Norman Rogers
4.9
by Norman Rogers - Dec. 12, 2009

An excellent exposition of what is wrong with the IPCC predictions of climate doom. The IPCC predictions are built on a foundation of sand using models that generate a climate not resembling the earth's according to Kevin Trenberth, important scientist. The IPCC assumes that warming can only be explained by CO2 and then they think up reasons why there isn't enough warming.

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