Maybe it's because we were all outside walking our dogs in the glorious 67-degree February weather, but it was easy to miss a recent op-ed in Rupert Murdoch's Wall Street Journal with the unfortunate title of "No Need to Panic About Global Warming," Luckily, some 40 top scientists who actually know what they're talking about took notice, and responded. So here's a brief message from the reality-based world:
The National Academy of Sciences of the U.S. (set up by President Abraham Lincoln to advise on scientific issues), as well as major national academies of science around the world and every other authoritative body of scientists active in climate research have stated that the science is clear: The world is heating up and humans are primarily responsible. Impacts are already apparent and will increase. Reducing future impacts will require significant reductions in emissions of heat-trapping gases.
Research shows that more than 97% of scientists actively publishing in the field agree that climate change is real and human caused. It would be an act of recklessness for any political leader to disregard the weight of evidence and ignore the enormous risks that climate change clearly poses. In addition, there is very clear evidence that investing in the transition to a low-carbon economy will not only allow the world to avoid the worst risks of climate change, but could also drive decades of economic growth. Just what the doctor ordered.
By the way, you'll be shocked, shocked to learn that many of the authors of the original op-ed are getting paid off by the oil and gas industry. You see, this is the problem with the climate change debate and traditional and deeply flawed "on one hand, on the other hand" journalism. On one hand, is science. On the other hand, is blood money.
UPDATE: I don't want to confuse anyone, but here are a few more facts.
Comment removed.
Will, I have already taken all of my survival gear out of the basement and moved it up to the attic. It was not easy but I'm so glad that you gave me enough warning so I could park my ark in close proximity. Yo my man you are a life saver!— RufusG- 16 scientists disagree about global warming. Now look at wikipedia under "scientific opinion on climate change". I think I'll take their word before I believe an opinion from one of Rupert Murdoch's mouthpieces.— wokmaster
- Just think it was only yesterday that I was wearing shorts. I mean Feb 1st and I was able to don my khaki cargo shorts (apparently stores think that all we want to wear are these multi pocketed short pants). I do wonder why they think that we need so many places to put our valuables.— RufusG
- Comment removed.
- We are heading for a mini ice age, just like they had in Europe several centuries ago. Look it up.— Captain Terrific
- A voting contest? Like a typical Republican, you didn't even look at the source. It's close to 97% and widely accepted AROUND THE WORLD. Here's the link, try and learn something.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_opinion_on_climate_change— wokmaster - what is the National Academy of Sciences agenda again? some people have no respect. i'm not a scientist but i do respect the amount of work required in becoming one. how do we live in world where facts are unimportant?
- "A voting contest?" . . . I suspect that Galileo thought the same thing when summoned before the Inquisition. Amazing that the Church finally exonerated him just 30 years ago. How long will it be before the religion of greed exonerates today's scientists?— montani semper liberi
- Liberals went to the Arctic Circle and melted that ice just to make George W Bush and oil companies look bad.— mick-of-the-moment
- Not to worry... we're all going to be bankrupt soon, so we won't have any money to spend on whatever it is that's causing global warming (or is that "climate change"?).— philly2flag
- Will, since the world is warming what are we to do with Europe shivering in record cold, or those in Russia that haven't seen frigid temperatures like they are experiencing in years, and last but not least Alaska, minus 50 degrees in Anchorage, get out the suntan lotion!— RufusG
- understand that there's a difference between temperature and climate. just because science is difficult doesn't mean you get to dismiss it outright.
- Science is also not consensus. Science changes all the time. New techniques (heart surgery),discoveries (seen the news about new species being discovered), new equipment (seen the news about new planets dicovered?). New chemotherapy agents. New indications for old drugs. Lots of examples. On the other had the climate scare folks have lied consistently. East Anglia Univ. ring a bell. Also, read a little history. Climate does change. It's a cycle.
— georgel - Comment removed.
Will Bunch, a senior writer at the Philadelphia Daily News, blogs about his obsessions, including national and local politics and world affairs, the media, pop music, the Philadelphia Phillies, soccer and other sports, not necessarily in that order.
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