In reviewing Met Éireann’s release of the latest longterm meteorological averages, your Science Editor Dick Ahlstrom states that “there is no evidence in these figures to prove that global warming is at play” and that “people may seek evidence that climate change is under way but they won’t find it here”. This is a view rather glaringly at variance with that of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which stated in its 2007 Synthesis Report (SYR) that “warming of the climate system is unequivocal” (SYR p2). Further, in making his case, your science editor does not make the vital distinction between natural climatic variability and the much more serious and threatening anthropogenic (humanly-caused) climate change.

Again, the IPCC states: “There is very high confidence (greater than 90 per cent certainty) that the net effect of human activities since 1750 has been one of warming” and that “most of the global increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely (greater than 90 per cent probability) due to the observed increase in anthropogenic GHG (greenhouse gas) concentrations” (SYR p5). Science is based on scepticism. But good science is about proving scepticism wrong, if needs be, in the face of evidence. A “paper of record” cannot maintain its record or its credibility by being unduly selective in its choice of evidence base. – Yours, etc.

written by Journal of Earth Science and Climatic Change

The Future Reef Map project will involve the installation of an ocean sensor on a Rio Tinto ship, which regularly travels to Gladstone from the company’s bauxite mine on western Cape York. The head of the company’s bauxite operations, Pat Fiore, says it will measure water acidity, temperature and chemical levels along the length of the reef. “A piece of gear – a sensor that goes into the water – collects it on an almost continuous basis, feeds the data back into a server,” he said. The CSIRO says the data will help to shed light on the effects of climate change and acidification on reef health, coral growth and fish behaviour.

written by Journal of Earth Science and Climatic Change

The study found that ExxonMobil, General Electric, Caterpillar and Boeing are among companies that play both sides of the fence, supporting groups that promote climate change science as well as those that seek to undercut it. Oil companies and utilities, not surprisingly, are among the heaviest contributors to research centers and trade groups that seek to delay government action on climate change. The scientists’ group said their report highlighted the need for greater transparency in corporate political contributions and spending on issue-driven advertising. Their findings were endorsed by Representative Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, the House sponsor of the so-called Disclose Act, which would require more complete and timely disclosure of political spending.

written by Journal of Earth Science and Climatic Change