The Arguments CLIMATE CHANGE SERIES Eric Jackson

Tactics Misinformation disputed by all major scientific bodies Quotes out of context Misuse of statistics Assertions that environmentalism = socialism Assertions that environmentalism = plot to overthrow US government Assertions that environmentalism = plot by United Nations to take control of the world

Skeptics' disputes of action on climate change are commonly along one or more of the following lines: 1. There is no conclusive evidence that climate change is happening;

Skeptics' disputes of action on climate change are commonly along one or more of the following lines: 2. The changes in measured temperatures are part of the natural cycle;

Skeptics' disputes of action on climate change are commonly along one or more of the following lines: 3. Even if the changes are human induced, the scale is not sufficiently large to make changes beyond sensible "least cost" measures; and

Skeptics' disputes of action on climate change are commonly along one or more of the following lines: 4. The economic impact of making substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions on the scale suggested by the IPCC or other groups is too large.

There are several reasons why denial is appealing. Doubt is an easy product to sell. Climate denial tells us what we all secretly want to hear The implications of the science are frightening Science is portrayed as political orthodoxy rather than objective knowledge

In November 2004, leading climate change skeptic Richard Lindzen was quoted saying he'd be willing to bet that the earth's climate will be cooler in 20 years than it is today. When British climate researcher James Annan contacted him, however, Lindzen would only agree to take the bet if Annan offered a 50-to-1 payout

So who are the climate change skeptics? Approximately 30 individuals have been the most quoted leaders of the climate change denial movement.

In the USA, there are two organizations that have taken a leadership role in climate change denial. Competitive Enterprise Institute George C. Marshall Institute So who are the climate change skeptics?

Competitive Enterprise Institute “CEI is a research and advocacy institute dedicated to the principles of free enterprise and limited government. We believe that individuals are best helped not by government intervention, but by making their own choices in a free marketplace."

The Competitive Enterprise Institute produced two 60- second television spots focusing on the “alleged global warming crisis” and the calls by some environmental groups and politicians for reduced energy use. The ads were aired in 14 U.S. cities from May 18 to May 28, The ads say that polar ice is actually thickening and that CO2 is a good thing.

ExxonMobil’s funding of CEI was $2,005,000 for the period CEI’s other major efforts include support for the tobacco industry, the pesticide industry, and the pharmaceutical industry

George C. Marshall Institute GMI’s mission is to “encourage the use of sound science in making public policy about important issues for which science and technology are major considerations."

The earth is now on the brink of entering another Ice Age, according to a large and compelling body of evidence from within the field of climate science. George C. Marshall Institute

ExxonMobil’s funding of GMI was $715,000 for the period George C. Marshall Institute

Is Climate Change Human Caused? Wrong Question? Human Caused? Creation Stewardship?

Climate Change Caused by Humans? True or False? Wrong Question!

ACTION YesNo True False $$$$$$$$$$ CATASTROPHE >20-50’ sea rise NO BENEFITS >1 B displaced >economic, societal, & health systems collapse RISK MANAGEMENT 101

Monthly Measurements at Manau Loa

Antarctic Vostok ice core; 2.2 miles deep, 420,000 years of temperature and greenhouse gas data

Atmospheric CO2 Projections Text

Least Reliable Most ReliableExpertise Bias Individual layperson Individual professional Think tanks Advocacy groups Support for my beliefs Truth Petitions Universities Peer-reviewed science “Science” “Nature” Proceedings from Nat Acad Science Statements that contradict normal bias Professional organizations

“Global warming is a manageable risk, not an existential crisis, and we should get on with the job of managing it. Conservatives should propose policies that are appropriately optimistic, science-based, and low-cost. This should be an attractive political program: It is.....a reality that Americans usually respond well to the conversion of political issues into technical problems. After all, we’re very good at solving the latter. New Atlantis, Summer 2008

Next in the Climate Change Series.... The Solutions February 1 at 9 and 10:30 AM February 5 at 7 PM Eric Jackson