Degenerating Discourse in Climate Science

By -
I want to thank Dr. John Knox for bringing the harassment of climate scientist Dr. Katherine Hayhoe to my attention.

Dr. Hayhoe, of Texas Tech University, is a mainstream climate scientist -- by all accounts an honest and ethical researcher -- who has been on the defensive due to vulgar attacks from people who do not agree with her. Apparently, all of this started because of something to do with a book by Newt Gingrich (I have not delved into this part of the controversy).

There is far, far too much of this nonsense -- from both sides -- involving climate science. While there is nothing wrong respectfully with challenging people's scientific conclusions (that is how science advances), there is everything wrong with personal insults and attacks. It needs to stop.

Let's stick to science!

Thanks, again, John.

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 6, 2012 at 4:42 PM

    Then stop making the data political it is data. The data shows profound warming. How anyone could look at the data and come up with any other conclusion is frighteningly political sir

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mike SmithFebruary 6, 2012 at 5:26 PM

    I can read a graph that shows temperatures peaked in 1998 and have leveled off since: http://woodfortrees.org/plot/wti/from:1990

    As to the "profound" warming, you mean this? http://woodfortrees.org/plot/hadcrut3gl

    The fact that temperatures have warmed over those of the Little Ice Age (1850, when the graph begins) is hardly surprising or even adverse. No giant famines these days like there were in the late '60s and '70's when temperatures were lower (look at the graph) and world population was less.

    I do not claim to know whether temperatures will rise, drop, or stay the same going forward -- no one does.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2012 at 12:37 AM

    Cheer up Mike. Even the Germans are begining to figure out it was a bunch of hype.

    http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/02/06/germany-in-skeptical-turmoil-on-both-climate-and-windfarms/

    @Anonymous - you have obviously never worked with scientists. I work with them on a daily basis and disagreement through discourse is what makes science such a powerful tool. You are professing an idiology and that is why you are so misguided.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue is 0.1 to .25 inc
Read more