[Coral-List] La Nina and global warming

[Bill Allison]

One more time: scientific conclusions are inherently uncertain and
this fact is shamelessly exploited by those merchants of doubt, the
climate change contrarians.

Greg Challenger wrote: "Isnt it a good thing that those who question
the certainty of any scientific conclusion be scientifically literate?
 I understand folks feel their data and conclusions are absolutely
correct, but has anyone ever been absolutely correct about any data or
conclusions?



On Mon, Nov 15, 2010 at 8:29 AM, Greg Challenger <gchallenger at msn.com> wrote:
>
> "one of the most disturbing aspects of this discussion is the fact that many
> contrarians are scientifically literate and most certainly capable of complex
> intellectual analysis."   Steve Mussman
>
> First let me point out I am not a contrarian.  I think there is a lot of compelling evidence. Nonetheless, I find this statement disturbing.  Isnt it a good thing that those who question the certainty of any scientific conclusion be scientifically literate?  I understand folks feel their data and conclusions are absolutely correct, but has anyone ever been absolutely correct about any data or conclusions?
>
> I thoroughly enjoy Gene's comments and am not so sure that those who question can be dismissed so easily.
>
> Regards,
>
>
>
> Greg E. Challenger
> Marine Scientist/Principal
> Polaris Applied Sciences, Incorporated
> 12525 131st Ct NE Kirkland, WA 98034
> 425-823-4841
> 425-823-3805 fx
> 206-369-5686 cell
> visit us at: www.polarisappliedsciences.com
>
>
>
>
>
>> Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2010 13:39:52 -0500
>> From: sealab at earthlink.net
>> To: coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
>> Subject: [Coral-List] La Nina and global warming
>>
>> Got to admit, Gene's climate change "pokings" can sometimes be disquieting.
>> But at the same time this discourse should be vigorously encouraged.
>> The positions that he conveys, though inciting consternation, stand as a
>> reminder of the extent and complexity of the task at hand.
>> No one seriously involved in the debate relating to anthropogenic
>> climate change is suggesting that the skeptics are "dummies". Quite the contrary,
>> one of the most disturbing aspects of this discussion is the fact that many
>> contrarians are scientifically literate and most certainly capable of complex
>> intellectual analysis. Though Gene seems to preclude many members of congress
>> from this group, politicians will simply continue to do what politicians do.
>> That is to say, they will position themselves on the issues based on what is
>> most likely to result in prolonging their incumbency.
>> Again this realization prioritizes the need for more effective communication
>> by the scientific community directly designed to affect public opinion.
>> If the best climate science becomes more clearly expressed, it will change public
>> opinion and the politicians will follow. Expecting insightful political leaders
>> to courageously rise up and advance the fight on principle will likely prove futile.
>> But don't underestimate them, our politicians can understand the science..
>> Its just that first and foremost their interests lay in the next election cycle,
>> not in the ramifications of policy positions that may not damage their prospects
>> for decades.
>>
>> As Gene mentioned, the political winds have recently changed.
>> Perhaps he is spot on to suggest that the focus of concern should be to assure
>> that pure science weathers this storm. For although there is little evidence of
>> adequate resolve, I hesitate to envision the resulting turmoil engulfing future
>> generations if science surrenders.
>>
>> Steve
>> _______________________________________________
>> Coral-List mailing list
>> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
>> http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list
>
> _______________________________________________
> Coral-List mailing list
> Coral-List at coral.aoml.noaa.gov
> http://coral.aoml.noaa.gov/mailman/listinfo/coral-list
>



-- 
________________________________
"reality leaves a lot to the imagination..."  John Lennon