Yes, actually there is a need to panic about global warming

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.