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Climate Confusion: How Global Warming Hysteria Leads to Bad Science, Pandering Politicians and Misguided Policies That Hurt the Poor by Roy W. Spencer
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Roy W. Spencer Edition: Hardcover Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2008-03-27 ISBN: 1594032106 Number of pages: 184 Publisher: Encounter Books
Book Reviews of Climate Confusion: How Global Warming Hysteria Leads to Bad Science, Pandering Politicians and Misguided Policies That Hurt the PoorBook Review: Clearing the Air Summary: 5 Stars
Just finished "Climate Confusion". Kudos to Dr. Spencer! It was even better than I'd hoped, and heaven knows it is sorely needed now to even partially offset the tidal wave of contrary Global Warming Alarmist diatribe currently flooding the media. Hopefully it will be read by some on the other side of the controversy, or fence-straddlers, and just maybe some will more critically examine the nature of the activist onslaught. Although the subject is quite serious and so treated, the book was very lightly written, easy to read, and gave me more than a few chuckles.
The brief explanation of the basic climate processes influencing weather patterns of our globe was simple, short, succinct (and totally free of any mind-boggling equations that scare folks off), and should be relatively easy for anyone of average intelligence to comprehend.
Similarly, the characterization of the vastness, and almost unbelievably (and largely not at all understood) complex, and sometimes apparently chaotic, and diverse processes making up our global weather systems was extremely well done. As was the discussions of: the total incapacity of the best and fastest of our computer systems to come close to modeling a tiny fraction of the global weather; the painfully minute volume of CO2 we put into the atmosphere compared to the total atmospheric volume; the difficulty and questionable nature of obtaining historical climatological data; and the total lack of any other completed similar modeling problem against which our erstwhile climate "modelers" can compare/calibrate their "comprehensive" computer models. (How these unquestionable facts can fail to give pause to our GCM modelers and other Global Warming activists is completely beyond my comprehension).
Of course, this is partially explained by another of the well-made points in the book - that is the existence of the vicious, incestuous circle (well-oiled by Federal funds - many Billions of $) of: Environmentalists ("Noble", passionate & single-minded) / GCM modelers [& meteorologists] (human, greedy, job-security concerned, & anxious to "make a real difference") / media types and movie stars (hopeless, looking for publicity and "sexy" news) / legislators (also virtually hopeless, with their fingers in the wind, but with their hands on the money spigots) / and finally, The Public (totally overwhelmed by the other 4 groups). This was well done, and is partially understandable, but only to a degree.
Another well-made thesis of the book is the real impact (and very limited effectiveness) of punitive CO2 reduction measures (such as the Kyoto Protocol, which we, in the US, continue to beat ourselves over the head about, since the Senate, for once wisely, totally disavowed it) on the real global economy. This impact will far and away adversely impact the poverty stricken masses of the world far more than it will hurt us, largely middle-class denizens of the US and other developed nations. For us it will mean a little less steak and shorter vacations - for them, it is life or death, literally. (This point will not be conceded by the environmental elite.) The analogy to the Annual deaths of a million or so Africans, and severe disabilities to many more due to malaria, which could easily be controlled by the simple and inexpensive expedient of DDT spraying, forbidden to them due to developed nations forcing them to ban it under pain of "trade sanctions", is eye-opening and shocking. As Dr. Spencer says, this situation is totally unsupportable. And this, while our environmentalist heroes continue to pat themselves on the back about their successful victory over this horrid substance. Something is very wrong with this picture.
I have some minor criticism of the book. Not over anything the author missed, or got wrong or avoided, but for perhaps not being harsh enough with some of the main players in this on-going farce. In my opinion, the GCM modelers were let off a bit too easy. To me, they're the worst offenders in this scientific debacle. I understand the rationale Dr. Spencer gives for their failings (they're human; they want to make a difference; the money/research grants are only there for those who toe the party line; they do [quietly] state the limitations and assumptions underlying their work). But I'm sorry, this is not enough excuse, in my view, to over-dramatize their hypotheses and to let the media even more greatly do so. It shows a high level of scientific arrogance. They are intelligent adults and should show more honesty and morality in characterizing their work. While the environmentalists are even more guilty, they are probably even more a lost cause. Also, I think the good Dr. was a bit too easy on his former agency, NASA. I do appreciate that they have done, and continue to do, a lot of good. But that does not excuse overstating their "Global Warming" case.
The author has done a real service to us all - Skeptics, True Believers, and Fence Sitters alike, for writing and seeing this book published, and bringing at least a little balance to the ongoing debate.
Summary of Climate Confusion: How Global Warming Hysteria Leads to Bad Science, Pandering Politicians and Misguided Policies That Hurt the PoorThe current frenzy over global warming has galvanized the public and cost taxpayers billons of dollars in federal expenditures for climate research. It has spawned Hollywood blockbusters and inspired major political movements. It has given a higher calling to celebrities and built a lucrative industry for scores of eager scientists. In short, ending climate change has become a national crusade. And yet, despite this dominant and sprawling campaign, the facts behind global warming remain as confounding as ever. In Climate Confusion, distinguished climatologist Dr. Roy Spencer observes that our obsession with global warming has only clouded the issue. Forsaking blindingly technical statistics and doomsday scenarios, Dr. Spencer explains in simple terms how the climate system really works, why man's role in global warming is more myth than science, and how the global warming hype has corrupted Washington and the scientific community. The reasons, Spencer explains, are numerous: biases in governmental funding of scientific research, our misconceptions about science and basic economics, even our religious beliefs and worldviews. From Al Gore to Leonardo DiCaprio, the climate change industry has given a platform to leading figures from all walks of life, as pandering politicians, demagogues and biased scientists forge a self-interested movement whose proposed policy initiatives could ultimately devastate the economies of those developing countries they purport to aid. Climate Confusion is a much needed wake up call for all of us on planet earth. Dr. Spencer's clear-eyed approach, combined with his sharp wit and intellect, brings transparency and levity to the issue of global warming as he takes on wrong-headed attitudes and misguided beliefs that have led to our state of panic. Climate Confusion lifts the shroud of mystery that has hovered here for far too long and offers an end to this frenzy of misinformation in our lives. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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